I’ve been on a serious cannelloni roll lately, and I’ve gathered 13 incredible recipes that are all about those dreamy cheesy fillings and tender pasta tubes, all swimming in luxuriously rich sauces. If you’re ready to switch up your usual pasta game, these are the ones I turn to again and again. Let’s get cooking!
1. Potato and Porcini Mushroom Cannelloni (Manicotti)
Got leftover mashed potatoes? I have the most perfect way to use them up.
This one’s a little Italian American twist, so technically it’s manicotti, but honestly, it’s just pure deliciousness. The filling is this incredible combo of creamy mashed potatoes, meaty porcini mushrooms, fresh parsley, and cheese. It’s comfort food magic.
2. Ricotta Cannelloni Bolognese Bake
A robust Bolognese sauce poured all over ricotta stuffed cannelloni? Yes, please.
I start with good quality ground beef, sautéed with onions and garlic until it smells amazing. Carrots and celery are traditional, but if you skip them, no worries. The non-negotiable is the tomatoes, and this recipe uses two whole cans to build that deep, savory red sauce.
3. Beef-Filled Cannelloni (Manicotti) in Béchamel Sauce
I’m making a hearty feast here with ground beef stuffed right into the cannelloni. Simmering that beef with plum tomatoes and onions makes the flavor so much more robust, and if you really want to amp up the meatiness, toss in some minced prosciutto.
A little breadcrumbs and eggs help bind everything together so that filling stays put exactly where you want it. Cozy, meaty perfection.
4. Cheese Cannelloni
Pasta and cheese? A forever perfect pair.
But for this Italian beauty, you can’t just grab any cheese. I’m talking ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, that magical trio that gives you creamy, melty, and nutty all in one bite. Simple, classic, and absolutely delicious.
5. Shrimp Cannelloni with Red Pepper Cream Sauce
I can’t get over how dreamy this dish is. Plump shrimp, a duo of cheeses, and a little Old Bay magic make it taste like a fancy restaurant meal, but honestly, making it at home is a breeze.
The shellfish stuffing is so simple to fill, and that velvety red pepper cream sauce? Totally beginner friendly. Why pay the big restaurant bill when you can whip this up yourself?
6. Homemade Smoked Salmon Cannelloni
If you’ve got some smoked salmon and you’re craving something different, I have just the thing. This smoked salmon cannelloni is pure luxury: the creamy filling with tender homemade pasta sheets, all blanketed in a silky bechamel, literally melts in your mouth.
And yes, I go all in with homemade lasagna sheets. It’s an extra step, but oh my, the difference it makes is everything.
7. Mushroom and Ham Cannelloni
This ham and mushroom cannelloni is pure comfort food. It’s rich, it’s loaded with pasta, mushrooms, ham, and cheese, and it’ll become your new favorite, I’m telling you.
For the white sauce, I always reach for whole milk, it makes everything creamier and more luscious. And keep an eye on the flour, you might need to tweak it a bit to get the thickness just how you like it.
8. Creamy Ricotta Spinach and Chicken Cannelloni
Leftover chicken hanging out in the fridge? This is your sign to turn it into the yummiest cannelloni dinner.
Cooked chicken slips right into the filling with fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and a little dried herb action. It’s so easy and so satisfying.
And don’t forget: before you plop everything into the casserole dish, spoon a layer of pasta sauce onto the bottom. Trust me, it makes every bite saucy and perfect.
9. Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
Stop the endless scrolling, friend. I’ve got your easy pasta dinner right here.
Spinach and ricotta is that classic, timeless cannelloni filling that just never fails. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s a forever favorite.
And yes, a proper red sauce is a must, so I make a super simple one from scratch with canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil. It all just comes together.
10. Broccoli and Cauliflower Cannelloni
You know what’s perfect for a family dinner? This tray bake that turns cannelloni into a shareable moment.
Broccoli and cauliflower bring all the good-for-you vibes, while mozzarella and parmesan bring the ooey, gooey, cheesy pull. Just layer everything in a baking dish and then drown it in not one, but two kinds of pasta sauce. It’s a veggie packed dream.
11. Stuffed Cannelloni with Gorgonzola and Ricotta
This one is a little punchy, a little cheesy, and so easy. Gorgonzola and ricotta bring that sharp, creamy contrast I love, and then I add pistachios for the most incredible crunch.
To cut through all that richness, I’m piling in Romanesco broccoli florets. If you haven’t had it, it’s like broccoli and cauliflower had a gorgeous, spiraled baby. It just works.
12. Crab and Scallop Cannelloni with Cauliflower Puree
Seafood lovers, get ready. This cannelloni is absolutely packed with the good stuff.
Succulent scallops and tender crab take center stage, but the shallots, a splash of brandy, and butter push it right over the top into irresistible territory. With something this special, you’ll want the pasta to be just as stellar, so I say go homemade. You won’t regret it.
13. Baked Cannelloni
Savory Italian sausage tucked into pasta and smothered in a creamy sauce? I knew you’d be on board.
This baked cannelloni is loaded with cheese and meat, and then I go and make it extra indulgent with a lush bechamel. It’s rich, it’s cozy, and it’s the kind of meal that makes a cold winter day feel like a hug.