Quick & Easy Paccheri Ripieni (Stuffed Large Tube Pasta) – Italian Pasta Recipe

Introduction:

Indulge in the rustic charm of Italian cooking with this Quick & Easy Paccheri Ripieni recipe, a show-stopping yet surprisingly simple dish. Paccheri, those big, beautiful pasta tubes, are stuffed with a savory mixture and baked until tender and bubbling. Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or simply treating yourself to a cozy homemade meal, this Italian classic is both rich and comforting. Whether you stuff them with ricotta and spinach or a meat ragù, every bite is a delicious balance of pasta, creamy filling, and luscious sauce.

Ingredients:

For 4 Servings:

1. 8–10 oz (225–280 g) dry paccheri pasta
2. 1½ cups ricotta cheese (or ricotta-spinach mixture)
3. 1 cup grated mozzarella (divided)
4. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
5. 1 egg
6. 2 cups marinara or homemade tomato sauce
7. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8. 1 clove garlic, minced
9. Salt and pepper to taste
10. Fresh basil for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

1. Cooked ground Italian sausage or spinach in the ricotta mixture
2. Red pepper flakes for heat
3. Pesto drizzle before serving
4. Béchamel sauce for extra creaminess

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the paccheri according to package directions until just al dente (about 2 minutes shy of fully cooked). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Fill the Paccheri

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a few tablespoons of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each paccheri tube with the ricotta mixture using a small spoon or piping bag and stand upright in the baking dish.

Step 4: Sauce & Bake

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed paccheri, then top with the remaining mozzarella. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve hot alongside a green salad or garlic bread.

Optional Variations:

• Meaty Version: Fold cooked sausage or ground beef into the ricotta mixture.
• Veggie Delight: Add spinach, artichokes, or chopped roasted peppers to the filling.
• Extra Cheesy: Top with dollops of creamy burrata before serving.
• Creamy Béchamel: Layer béchamel under the tomato sauce for a rich, lasagna-style flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Gorgeous presentation with minimal effort.
• Customizable – Perfect for meat lovers, vegetarians, or cheese aficionados.
• Comforting & Filling – A hearty Italian dinner everyone will enjoy.
• Great for Meal Prep – Assemble ahead and bake when you’re ready.
• Kid-Approved & Crowd-Pleasing – Fun shapes and cheesy goodness make this a hit.

This Quick & Easy Paccheri Ripieni is a must-try if you love Italian comfort food. Elegant, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it’s an impressive yet approachable recipe that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.