Let’s talk about one of the most comforting, cozy, and downright delicious pasta dishes you can make at home—Cannelloni, also known as Manicotti. Picture this: tender pasta tubes filled with a rich, cheesy filling, smothered in velvety tomato sauce, and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s everything your pasta-loving heart dreams of, and then some.
Whether you’re cooking to impress or just craving a warm, homey meal, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love Cannelloni (Manicotti)
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can fill the pasta with whatever you like—ricotta and spinach, beef, sausage, even veggies. The possibilities are endless.
Budget-Friendly: Basic pantry ingredients, a bit of cheese, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy without draining your wallet.
Quick and Easy: While it might look like a weekend project, it’s surprisingly simple to assemble, especially if you use pre-cooked pasta tubes.
Customizable: Make it vegetarian, spicy, or extra cheesy—it’s all up to you and your cravings.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what goes into making these heavenly stuffed pasta tubes:
Cannelloni or Manicotti Pasta Tubes: These are the vessels for all the cheesy goodness. You can use no-boil ones or pre-cook them slightly to make filling easier.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, rich, and the perfect base for your filling. It melts beautifully inside the pasta.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible gooey stretch on top and inside the filling.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick that balances the richness.
Spinach (optional): Adds a pop of color, texture, and a hint of earthy flavor—plus, hey, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens.
Egg: Helps bind the filling together, so it holds up during baking.
Garlic & Onion: Sautéed and blended into the sauce or the filling, these add depth and warmth.
Tomato Sauce or Marinara: A rich, tangy blanket for the pasta that brings everything together.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish that signature Italian aroma.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a pop of freshness right before serving.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and that beautiful golden top.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and optional spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning. Stir until creamy and well-combined.
Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add your tomato sauce and a dash of seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly oil your baking dish and spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom. This prevents sticking and adds moisture.
Fill the Tubes: Use a piping bag or small spoon to fill the cannelloni with the cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff—just enough to make them plump and happy.
Assemble the Dish: Place the filled tubes in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce generously over the top and sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cook to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Finishing Touches: Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to cut.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: 380
(Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredient quantities.)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Cannelloni (Manicotti)
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Toasted garlic bread or focaccia
- A glass of red wine for that classic Italian touch
- Roasted vegetables on the side like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you’re short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce.
- Make it ahead of time and bake just before serving—it reheats like a dream.
- Add ground beef or sausage to the sauce or filling for a meaty twist.
- Freeze unbaked for a quick dinner on a busy night.
FAQ’s
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze Cannelloni?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just thaw and bake until heated through. - What’s the difference between Cannelloni and Manicotti?
They’re essentially the same dish with different pasta shapes—cannelloni is smooth, manicotti is ridged. - Can I use lasagna sheets instead?
Yes! Just boil and roll them around the filling—it works wonderfully. - Can I add meat to the filling?
Definitely. Ground beef, turkey, or sausage all work great. - How do I prevent the pasta from tearing while filling?
Slightly undercook the pasta if you’re boiling it. Also, using a piping bag makes the job easier and cleaner. - What type of cheese is best?
A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives the best creamy, gooey, and flavorful result. - Do I need to cover the dish when baking?
Yes, cover with foil for the first part of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the top. - Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Absolutely—fresh basil or parsley can really elevate the flavor. - Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, if made without meat, it’s 100% vegetarian.
Conclusion
Cannelloni (Manicotti) is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special. It’s rich, satisfying, and oh-so-cozy—like a pasta hug in a baking dish. Once you try it, you’ll see just how easy and rewarding it is to whip up a restaurant-worthy meal right at home. Enjoy every gooey, saucy bite!
Print
Cannelloni (Manicotti)
- Prep Time: 30min
- Cook Time: 40min
- Total Time: 1hr10min
- Yield: 6servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cannelloni, also known as Manicotti in American-Italian cuisine, consists of pasta tubes filled with a savory mixture, typically including spinach and ricotta or ground meat, baked under a blanket of rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
– **For the Filling:**
– 1 lb (450g) ricotta cheese
– 8 oz (225g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
– **For the Sauce:**
– 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– **For Assembly:**
– 12 cannelloni or manicotti shells
– 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until well combined.
2. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. **Cook the Pasta Shells:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cannelloni shells and cook until just tender but still firm to the bite (about 4-5 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. **Stuff the Shells:**
– Transfer the filling mixture to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture.
5. **Assemble the Dish:**
– Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Arrange the filled pasta shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all shells are covered.
6. **Add Cheese Topping:**
– Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. **Bake:**
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. **Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
– **Variations:** For a meat version, brown 1/2 lb (225g) of ground beef or sausage and mix it into the filling.
– **Make-Ahead:** Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
– **Freezing:** This dish freezes well. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour, covering with foil for the first 45 minutes.
– **Serving Suggestion:** Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2pieces
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg