A Delectable Collection of Classic Italian Pasta Dishes

by

Italian cuisine has long been revered for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and comforting dishes. Among the many beloved pasta creations, stuffed pasta varieties such as manicotti, ravioli, lasagna, and shells stand out for their ability to combine hearty fillings with delicious sauces and cheeses. This collection of six recipes showcases some of the most popular and indulgent Italian pasta dishes that are perfect for any occasion, whether a family dinner or a special gathering. These dishes offer a wonderful balance of creamy fillings, savory meats, aromatic herbs, and melted cheeses, making them unforgettable meals.

 

1. Italian Cheese Manicotti (Cannelloni)

Italian Cheese Manicotti, often referred to as cannelloni, is a dish that embodies the comforting flavors of Italian cooking. It features large pasta tubes stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture and baked in a rich marinara sauce. The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, combined with aromatic oregano and garlic powder, creates a savory filling that melts perfectly 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

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully blended.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the manicotti or cannelloni shells according to package instructions. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
  3. Stuff the Shells: Use a piping bag or spoon to carefully stuff 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 at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells in the dish and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.
  5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese 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, combined with the savory marinara sauce, makes this classic Italian recipe a real crowd-pleaser.

2. Italian Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

This dish takes the concept of stuffed pasta shells to new heights by incorporating savory ground beef into the creamy ricotta filling. The addition of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on top creates a rich, comforting meal that is 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

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooled beef mixture and blend thoroughly.
  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 on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake: Cover the dish 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 serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad.

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

3. Italian Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups

Lasagna roll-ups offer a unique twist on traditional lasagna by rolling the noodles with a creamy chicken and cheese filling, then baking them with a rich garlic parmesan sauce. These roll-ups are a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna in a more manageable, individual serving.

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

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the 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 pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Assemble the Roll-Ups: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat and spread the chicken filling evenly. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat for the remaining noodles.
  4. Add Sauce and Toppings: Pour the 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 are a decadent way to enjoy lasagna in a convenient form, perfect for a family meal or a special gathering.

4. Italian-Style Stuffed Pasta Shells

Stuffed pasta shells are a versatile and delicious dish that can be made with various fillings. This version features a rich ricotta cheese mixture and a 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

Instructions:

  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, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using meat, brown the ground beef or sausage and stir 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 bake 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 the whole family will love.

5. Stuffed Rigatoni with Savory Beef Filling

Rigatoni stuffed with savory beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the richness of Italian flavors. The rigatoni pasta, with its large ridges, is perfect for holding the beef filling and sauce, creating 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

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rigatoni until slightly undercooked, then toss with olive oil.
  2. Prepare the Beef Filling: Cook the ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and remove from heat.
  3. Stuff the Rigatoni: Using a spoon or piping bag, stuff each rigatoni with the beef mixture.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish and arrange the stuffed rigatoni. Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve 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 offer a fun, individual serving version of the classic lasagna. With a filling made of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and ground beef, all rolled up inside tender lasagna sheets, this dish is 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)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Meat: Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet and set it aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine 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 up 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 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, with all 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, with variations that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for 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.

Leave a Comment