Baked Stuffed Cannelloni: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked stuffed cannelloni is one of those timeless dishes that feels both comforting and impressive. Tender pasta tubes are filled with a rich, flavorful stuffing, layered with sauce, and baked until bubbling and golden. This is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table and encourages slow, satisfying meals. I love how versatile cannelloni is, allowing you to adjust the filling based on what you enjoy or have on hand. When I first made this dish for a family dinner, it quickly became a favorite because it feels special without being overly complicated. The oven does most of the work, and the result is a beautifully cohesive dish with soft pasta, creamy filling, and a deeply flavorful sauce. Whether served for a weekend dinner or a special gathering, baked stuffed cannelloni always delivers warmth and comfort.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cannelloni tubes
Cannelloni pasta provides the structure of the dish. These large tubes are perfect for holding generous amounts of filling and baking evenly in sauce.

Ricotta cheese
Ricotta creates a creamy, mild base for the filling and keeps the cannelloni soft and rich.

Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella adds a stretchy, melty texture that brings indulgence to every bite.

Parmesan cheese
Parmesan contributes sharpness and depth, balancing the creaminess of the other cheeses.

Egg
Egg helps bind the filling so it holds together once baked.

Spinach
Spinach adds freshness, color, and a subtle earthiness that complements the cheese.

Garlic
Garlic provides aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor of the filling.

Marinara sauce
Marinara sauce adds moisture and acidity, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly and remains tender.

Olive oil
Olive oil enhances flavor and helps sauté the garlic and spinach.

Salt
Salt sharpens and balances the flavors of the filling and sauce.

Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and subtle complexity.

Nutmeg
Nutmeg brings a classic, delicate warmth that pairs beautifully with ricotta-based fillings.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 190°C and lightly grease a large baking dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Chop finely.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, cooked spinach, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.

Transfer the filling into a piping bag or spoon it carefully into the cannelloni tubes. Fill each tube generously without overpacking.

Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the pasta, ensuring all tubes are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and bubbling. Rest for 10 minutes 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 four to six people. Preparation takes approximately 25 minutes, with a baking time of about 50 minutes in total.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover cannelloni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat covered in the oven at 170°C until warmed through. Add a spoonful of sauce if needed to maintain moisture.

Variations and Customizations

Baked stuffed cannelloni is highly adaptable and works well with many fillings. For a heartier version, add cooked minced beef or sausage to the ricotta mixture. If you prefer a vegetable-forward dish, roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers make excellent additions.

You can also swap marinara sauce for a creamy béchamel or use a combination of both for extra richness. I once tested this recipe using a spinach and mushroom filling with a light white sauce, and it created a more delicate but equally satisfying result. For a sharper flavor, increase the Parmesan or add a small amount of crumbled blue cheese to the filling.

Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley can be mixed into the filling or sprinkled over the top before serving for added freshness.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Baked stuffed cannelloni provides carbohydrates from pasta, protein from cheese and egg, and calcium from dairy. It is a filling dish best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. Vegetarian-friendly versions are easily achieved.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Even Sauce Coverage
Ensure the cannelloni is fully covered with sauce so the pasta cooks evenly.

Filling Technique
Using a piping bag makes filling the tubes quicker and cleaner.

Rest Before Serving
Allowing the dish to rest helps it set and makes serving easier.

Cheese Balance
Mix cheeses for depth without overpowering the filling.

FAQs

Do I need to cook the cannelloni before baking?

No, it cooks fully in the sauce during baking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble in advance and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze baked cannelloni?

Freezing is not recommended, as texture may change.

What sauce works best?

Marinara is classic, but béchamel also works well.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cannelloni tubes.

How do I prevent dry pasta?

Ensure enough sauce covers the pasta completely.

Can I add meat?

Yes, cooked minced meat can be added to the filling.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting.

Can I reduce the cheese?

You can, but it will affect richness and texture.

What should I serve with cannelloni?

A green salad or garlic bread pairs well.

Conclusion

Baked stuffed cannelloni is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy filling, tender pasta, and rich sauce into a beautifully balanced meal. Easy to customize and ideal for sharing, it remains a classic recipe that never goes out of style.

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