Classic Italian Stuffed Pasta Recipes

Introduction

Italian cuisine has long been renowned for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and satisfying dishes. Among the many beloved pasta options, stuffed pasta varieties like manicotti, ravioli, lasagna, and shells shine for their delightful combinations of hearty fillings, savory sauces, and creamy cheeses. This collection of six recipes showcases some of the most popular and indulgent Italian pasta dishes, ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering. With a wonderful balance of creamy fillings, savory meats, aromatic herbs, and melted cheeses, these meals promise to be memorable.

1. Italian Cheese Manicotti (Cannelloni)

Italian Cheese Manicotti, often called cannelloni, perfectly captures the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine. This dish features large pasta tubes filled with a creamy cheese mixture, all baked in a luscious marinara sauce. The harmonious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, alongside aromatic oregano and garlic powder, creates a savory filling that melts beautifully during the baking process.

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Pasta:
  • 8–10 manicotti or cannelloni shells, cooked al dente

Directions:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the manicotti or cannelloni shells according to package instructions. Drain and let them cool slightly.
3. Stuff the Shells: Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
4. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top if desired, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and is easily customizable by adding spinach or ground beef for extra texture and flavor. The creamy filling paired with the savory marinara sauce makes this classic Italian recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

2. Italian Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

This dish elevates the concept of stuffed pasta shells by mixing savory ground beef into the creamy ricotta filling. The addition of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella on top creates a rich, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Extra mozzarella cheese for topping
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, brown the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Create the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooled beef mixture until well blended.
4. Stuff the Pasta Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously fill each shell with the ricotta-beef mixture.
5. Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with garlic bread or a crisp salad.

The combination of tender pasta shells, savory beef, and creamy ricotta, topped with tangy marinara and bubbling mozzarella, makes this dish a delicious comfort food.

3. Italian Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups

Lasagna roll-ups provide a unique twist on traditional lasagna, featuring rolled noodles filled with creamy chicken and cheese, baked in rich garlic parmesan sauce. These roll-ups are a delightful way to savor lasagna flavors in a convenient single-serving format.

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Lasagna:
  • 10–12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add milk and chicken broth while whisking. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Roll-Ups: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a lasagna noodle flat, spread chicken filling evenly, then roll up tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
4. Add Sauce and Toppings: Pour garlic Parmesan sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

These creamy lasagna roll-ups offer a decadent way to enjoy lasagna in a manageable form, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

4. Italian-Style Stuffed Pasta Shells

Stuffed pasta shells are versatile and delicious, made with a variety of fillings. This version features a rich ricotta cheese mixture complemented by tangy marinara sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using meat, brown the ground beef or sausage and mix it into the cheese mixture.
3. Stuff the Shells: Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
4. Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, then arrange the stuffed shells on top. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with garlic bread or a salad.

These cheesy stuffed pasta shells are simple yet delicious, perfect for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

5. Stuffed Rigatoni with Savory Beef Filling

Rigatoni stuffed with savory beef creates a hearty and flavorful dish that highlights the richness of Italian flavors. The large ridges of rigatoni are ideal for holding the beef filling and sauce, resulting in a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Pasta and Sauce:
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rigatoni until slightly undercooked, then toss with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
3. Stuff the Rigatoni: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each rigatoni with the beef mixture.
4. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange the stuffed rigatoni on top. Cover with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and enjoy with garlic bread.

The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish a hearty and satisfying meal.

6. Cheesy Lasagna Roll-Ups

Lasagna roll-ups provide a fun, individual serving version of classic lasagna. With a filling of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and ground beef, all rolled up in tender lasagna sheets, this dish offers an easy way to enjoy the beloved flavors of lasagna.

Ingredients:

• For the filling:
  • 12 lasagna sheets, cooked and drained
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For assembly:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Directions:

1. Cook the Meat: Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet, then set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the filling on each lasagna sheet. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley.

These cheesy lasagna roll-ups are an ideal way to serve individual portions of lasagna, capturing the flavor and comfort of the classic dish in a fun, modern twist.

Each of these six recipes celebrates the timeless joy of stuffed pasta, offering varieties that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re craving cheese-filled manicotti, savory beef-stuffed rigatoni, or creamy chicken lasagna roll-ups, these Italian dishes will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings for a comforting meal.