17 Easy Cannelloni Recipes

If you have some cannelloni tubes sitting in your pantry and are wondering what to do with them, look no further!

I’ve rounded up 17 of the best and most popular cannelloni recipes for you to choose from.

Whether you are looking for a vegetarian option, a meat-filled dish, or something in between, there is sure to be a recipe on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these recipes a try!

17 Easy Cannelloni Recipes

I love pasta as much as the next person, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when working with cannelloni recipes.

1. First of all, be sure to cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. This will ensure that your pasta is cooked through but still has a bit of bite to it.
2. Secondly, when it comes to the filling, you can really use whatever you like. I usually go for a mixture of ricotta and spinach, but feel free to mix it up and use ground beef, chicken, or even just vegetables.
3. Finally, don’t forget the sauce! Cannelloni can be pretty dry on their own, so be sure to top them with a delicious tomato or cream sauce.

With that said, here are 17 tasty cannelloni recipes:

Cheesy Stuffed Italian Cannelloni

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/626844841877574271/

Any true cheese lover will go crazy for this cheesy stuffed cannelloni recipe.

I like to add a little bit of spinach to my stuffing mixture for some extra veggies, but you could also add in some cooked ground beef or sausage if you want a heartier dish.

As far as enhancements go, I think a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some fresh basil leaves on top would be delicious.

You could also swap out the tomato sauce for a Alfredo sauce or pesto sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.

Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/444660163221341973/

Just because spinach is a classic filling for cannelloni, it doesn’t mean it can’t be improved upon.

This recipe uses a mixture of spinach and ricotta, which results in a lighter dish that is still packed with flavor.

I like to add a bit of garlic and onion to the filling, as well as some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

To enhance the flavor even further, I like to top the cannelloni with a simple tomato sauce and some more Parmesan cheese.

If you want something a little heartier, you could also top with a meaty sauce or some sausage.

Spinach Beef Cannelloni (Manicotti Recipe)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/548665167115205143/

I love beef in pretty much any form, but this spinach beef cannelloni recipe is one of my absolute favorites.

The beef is perfectly seasoned and the spinach adds a nice touch of color and flavor.

I usually like to make a few changes to this recipe, like adding some diced onion or garlic to the beef mixture, and I sometimes swap out the mozzarella for a more flavorful cheese like Parmesan or Asiago.

To really take this dish up a notch, you could try one (or all!) of these ideas:

• Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms between the beef and spinach mixture.
• Top with a homemade tomato sauce instead of using jarred sauce.
• Bake with a sprinkle of bread crumbs on top for extra crunch.

Butternut squash Cannelloni with Walnut-Sage Béchamel Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/211174972443677/

If you don’t mind a little extra work in the kitchen, this butternut squash cannelloni recipe is definitely worth the effort.

The homemade pasta sheets are stuffed with a creamy, flavorful filling made with roasted butternut squash, ricotta, and sage.

It’s all topped with a rich walnut-sage béchamel sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden brown.

I usually make a few changes to this recipe:

• I use pre-made pasta sheets to save time.
• I add some chopped kale or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition.
• I top the cannelloni with a mix of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Here are a few easy ways to enhance the flavor of this dish:

• Roast the butternut squash in advance for deeper flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the béchamel sauce for a touch of sweetness.
• Stir in some cooked Italian sausage or pancetta to the filling for extra richness.

Bacon-Wrapped Cannelloni Recipe With Beef & Pork

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/19773685855163165/

Anything wrapped in bacon is bound to be good, but this bacon-wrapped cannelloni recipe takes things to the next level.

The beef and pork filling is so flavorful, and the bacon adds the perfect amount of salty, smoky flavor.

I usually like to add a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat, and I always top mine with extra shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

If you want to really take this dish over the top, you could:

• Add some sautéed mushrooms or onions to the filling.
• Swap out the ground beef for ground lamb or turkey.
• Try a different cheese in the filling, like mozzarella or Gruyère.
• Top with a quick homemade tomato sauce or Alfredo sauce.

Baked Ricotta and Spinach Cannelloni

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/432838214197684257/

This recipe is made with three delicious cheeses and it’s the perfect easy comfor food meal.

I usually make a few changes to this recipe, like adding some extra spices to the ricotta mixture, and I also think it’s really delicious with a little bit of bacon sprinkled on top.

Here are some other easy ways to enhance the flavor of this dish:

• Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms between the spinach and ricotta mixture.
• Stir in some sundried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the ricotta mixture.
• Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Creamy Ricotta Spinach & Chicken Cannelloni

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/415808978107761781/

Pasta packed with ricotta and chicken, topped with a creamy tomato sauce.

This dish is hearty and filling, but still has a light and fresh flavor.

I love to make this recipe when I have company over, because it can be made ahead of time and then baked when you’re ready to eat.

I usually make a few changes to the recipe, like adding extra spinach or using a different kind of cheese in the filling.

I also like to top it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dollop of pesto.

Here are some other easy ways to enhance the flavor of this dish:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a little heat.
• Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor.
• Use a different kind of pasta, like shells or penne, in place of the cannelloni tubes.

Creamy Baked Crab Cannelloni

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/235242780526561106/

These cannelloni are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of crab and ricotta, then coated in a creamy, velvety béchamel sauce.

They’re baked to perfection and make an impressive, yet easy, weeknight meal.

I usually like to add a bit of spice to this recipe by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the béchamel sauce.

I also think it’s really delicious with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Here are some other easy ways to enhance the flavor of this dish:

• Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
• Swap out the ricotta for goat cheese or cream cheese for a different twist.
• Use fresh crabmeat instead of canned for an even tastier filling.

Cannelloni with Ground Beef and Béchamel

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/561613016044740230/

Instead of making a traditional lasagna with ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella, try this delicious cannelloni recipe.

Cannelloni are large pasta tubes that are typically filled with a meat or cheese filling, and then covered in sauce and cheese.

For this recipe, I use ground beef and a béchamel sauce (a white sauce made with milk and flour).

I usually make a few changes to the recipe, like adding some garlic to the ground beef mixture, using shredded instead of grated cheese, and adding a bit of salt and pepper to the béchamel sauce.

To enhance the flavor even further, you could:

• Add some chopped spinach or other greens to the filling.
• Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or mushrooms.
• Use a flavored pasta sauce, like marinara or Alfredo.
• Top with crispy breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon before baking.

Vegan Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni (Manicotti)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/221872719134450165/

This vegan Cannelloni (manicotti) recipe is egg-free, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free.

It’s packed with spinach and ricotta, and makes for a delicious main course.

I usually make a few changes to this recipe, depending on what I have on hand.

Here are some easy ways to enhance the flavor of this dish:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
• Mix in some cooked crumbled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Top with marinara sauce or your favorite tomato sauce.

Sausage Cannelloni

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541206080227646295/

Crumbled sausagemeat and passata come together to create a mighty filling for these parcels, while a little nutmeg in the bechamel sauce adds a touch of luxury.

I usually like to add some extra veggies to my cannelloni – mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach are all great options.

I also often switch out the sausage for ground beef or turkey.

And if you’re looking for ways to enhance the flavor, try:

• Adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the filling.
• Swapping out the mozzarella for a sharp cheddar or Parmesan.
• Mixing in some cooked chicken or shrimp.
• Stirring in a handful of frozen peas or corn.

Mushroom and Herbed Ricotta Cannelloni

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/112238215700670297/

Your family is going to LOVE this delicious Mushroom and Herbed Ricotta Cannelloni recipe!

I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make, and it’s packed with flavor.

I usually make a few changes to the recipe, like adding extra herbs, using a different type of cheese, or swapping out the mushrooms for a different type of vegetable.

Here are some easy ways to enhance the flavor of this dish:

• Add extra herbs: I like to add a teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme to the ricotta mixture.
• Use a different type of cheese: Try substituting the ricotta for goat cheese or cream cheese.
• Swap out the mushrooms: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you could use roasted red peppers, spinach, or zucchini instead.

Beef Cannelloni in Tomato Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/431149364338614410/

Ground sirloin gives this dish a boost of protein, while the tomato sauce keeps it moist and flavorful.

I like to use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the filling, but you could use all mozzarella or even swap in another type of cheese entirely.

I usually add some chopped spinach to the filling as well, but you could leave it out or swap in another type of green veggie.

Some easy ways to enhance the flavor of this dish:

• Add a teaspoon or two of Italian seasoning to the filling or tomato sauce.
• Swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• Use a different type of cheese in the filling, such as Ricotta or goat cheese.
• Add some chopped garlic to the tomato sauce.

Ricotta and Kale Cannelloni

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/133489576439231867/

This ricotta and kale cannelloni is an easy vegetarian option for the cannelloni lovers out there.

I love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor, but it’s also really simple to make.

I usually make a few changes to the recipe, like adding extra seasoning to the ricotta mixture, and I sometimes swap out the kale for spinach.

To enhance the flavor even further, you could:

• Add some cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon to the ricotta mixture.
• Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
• Top with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.

Spinach, Feta and Chicken Cannelloni with Rosé Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68468856822313626/

I have a weakness for feta cheese, so this recipe is definitely one of my go-to’s when I’m looking for something cheesy and satisfying.

I usually make a few changes to the recipe, like adding extra spinach and using chicken instead of beef.

I also like to enhance the flavor of the sauce by adding a bit of garlic and onion powder.

If you’re looking for an easy way to take this dish up a notch, try topping it with some fresh basil or Parmesan cheese.

Crab and Ricotta Cannelloni

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/74168725102781199/

I don’t think crab gets enough credit.

It’s so versatile and has such a delicate, yet distinct flavor.

And when it’s paired with ricotta in these cannelloni, it becomes something truly special.

The filling for these crab and ricotta cannelloni is so light and fluffy, yet packed with flavor.

And the bechamel sauce is the perfect finishing touch.

I usually like to add a little bit of spice to my cannelloni, so I’ll add some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

And if I want an extra- cheesy dish, I’ll top it with some shredded mozzarella before baking.

Here are a few other easy ways to enhance the flavor of this dish:

• Add some chopped fresh herbs to the filling or sauce (parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, etc.).
• Swap out the ricotta for goat cheese or feta for a tangier flavor.
• Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms to the filling for extra protein or texture.

Meat Cannelloni with Creamy Tomato Béchamel

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/508273507957964778/

Homemade pasta is encased around a melt-in-your-mouth veal, pork, and chicken filling, covered in a creamy tomato béchamel, and baked until bubbly and golden brown.

This meat cannelloni recipe is definitely a labor of love, but it is so worth it!

I usually make a few changes to the recipe, such as:

• Adding some chopped spinach to the filling for extra greens.
• Swapping out the veal for ground beef or turkey.
• Using pre-made pasta sheets to save time.
• Enhancing the flavor with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese on top.