-
1
For the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions, Essence, salt and red pepper, and saute until the onions are soft, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the wine and reduce by 1/2. Add the tomatoes and their juices, the basil, thyme, oregano and bay leaves and bring to boil.
-
2
Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened somewhat, but is still chunky, about 45 minutes. Add the cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Discard the bay leaves, adjust the seasoning, to taste, and let sit while making the filling.
-
3
For the Cannelloni: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-
4
Heat the olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, pancetta, Essence, salt, and red pepper and cook until the onions are soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and wine, and stir well to incorporate. Cook until half of the wine has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until just pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the basil and oregano, stir well, and remove from the heat. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet or large plate to cool quickly.
-
5
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, the shrimp mixture and egg. Adjust seasoning, to taste.
-
6
Butter a 13- by 9-inch baking dish. Spread about 1 cup of the tomato sauce over the bottom of the dish. Working from both ends, using a pastry bag, stuff each manicotti shell with about 1/4 cup of filling and place on the tomato sauce. Repeat with the remaining pasta and filling, lining up in rows in the pan.
-
7
Pour the remaining sauce over the cannelloni and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Uncover and continue baking until golden brown and bubbling, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
-
8
If desired, sprinkle each serving with additional grated Parmesan.
