Introduction
Baked Stuffed Cannelloni is a timeless Italian-inspired dish that brings warmth, comfort, and rich flavor to the table. Large pasta tubes are generously filled with a creamy, savory stuffing, layered with sauce, and baked until bubbling and golden. I love making this dish when I want something hearty and satisfying that feels special yet familiar. There is something deeply comforting about cutting into baked cannelloni and seeing the perfectly filled pasta coated in sauce and melted cheese. It is a recipe that feels ideal for family dinners, weekend cooking, or entertaining guests, because it can be prepared ahead and baked when needed. With its combination of tender pasta, flavorful filling, and rich baked sauce, Baked Stuffed Cannelloni is a dish that never fails to impress while still delivering pure comfort in every bite.
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Baked Stuffed Cannelloni – Classic Italian Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Stuffed Cannelloni is a comforting Italian pasta dish featuring large pasta tubes filled with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture, smothered in marinara sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
-
- Cannelloni & Filling:
- 12–14 cannelloni pasta tubes
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup cooked and drained)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Sauce & Topping:
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook cannelloni pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the cannelloni tubes using a piping bag or spoon.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange filled cannelloni in the dish and cover with the remaining sauce.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the filling for a heartier dish.
- Use no-boil cannelloni to save time—just add extra sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is hearty, comforting, and perfect for sharing. It delivers classic Italian flavors, works well for make-ahead meals, and feels like a restaurant-quality dish made right at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cannelloni pasta tubes
Cannelloni tubes are designed for stuffing and hold the filling beautifully during baking.
Ricotta cheese
Ricotta creates a creamy, mild base for the filling.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella adds stretchiness and richness inside and on top.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan brings savory depth and a slightly nutty flavor.
Egg
Egg helps bind the filling so it holds its shape.
Spinach
Spinach adds color, nutrition, and balance to the rich cheeses.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the filling with savory aroma.
Salt
Salt balances and enhances all flavors.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning ties the filling together with classic herb notes.
Marinara sauce
Marinara sauce adds moisture, acidity, and rich tomato flavor.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing and added richness.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and briefly cook the cannelloni tubes just until slightly softened. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, sautéed spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange the filled tubes in a single layer over the sauce.
Cover the cannelloni with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake until the pasta is tender and the filling is heated through. Uncover and bake briefly until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow to rest before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, with a baking time of 40 to 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Baked Stuffed Cannelloni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Baked Stuffed Cannelloni is highly adaptable. You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the filling for a heartier version. For a vegetable-focused dish, include mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers. Swap marinara for a creamy béchamel sauce for a richer flavor profile. You can also use a blend of cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, to change the taste slightly. This recipe works well for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is vegetarian-friendly in its basic form and can be adapted using gluten-free cannelloni pasta. Nutritional values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overcook Pasta
Parboil just until flexible to avoid mushy pasta.
Use a Piping Bag
This makes filling the tubes much easier.
Let It Rest
Resting helps the cannelloni hold together when serving.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking.
Do I need to cook cannelloni first?
Light parboiling helps ensure tender pasta.
Can I freeze baked cannelloni?
Yes, freeze tightly wrapped.
What sauce works best?
Marinara is classic, but béchamel also works well.
Can I add meat?
Yes, cooked meat can be added to the filling.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, it is mild and cheesy.
Can I use manicotti instead?
Yes, manicotti works as a substitute.
How do I prevent dry pasta?
Ensure the pasta is fully covered with sauce.
Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or filling.
What should I serve with it?
A green salad and crusty bread pair well.
Conclusion
Baked Stuffed Cannelloni is a comforting, classic dish that delivers rich flavor, creamy filling, and satisfying texture in every bite. Perfect for family meals, make-ahead dinners, or special gatherings, this recipe is a reliable favorite that brings timeless Italian comfort straight to your table.
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