Easy Mozzarella Cannelloni
10 November 2024
Easy Mozzarella Cannelloni
Looking for a comforting Italian dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor? This Easy Mozzarella Cannelloni brings together melty mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all wrapped in tender pasta tubes and baked in a bold arrabbiata sauce. With a touch of creamy cooking cream and a golden cheese topping, it’s the kind of meal that feels special, without the fuss. Perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is a cheesy, saucy favorite the whole family will love!
So, if all that sounds good to you, read on!
Move over lasagna, there’s a new baked pasta dish stealing the spotlight! I can’t believe I hadn’t turned this classic Italian favorite into a rich, cheesy, and spicy masterpiece sooner, but here it is: Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Cannelloni with Arrabbiata Sauce—the ultimate comfort food.
3 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:
🔥 SPICY & CREAMY – The bold kick of arrabbiata sauce meets the rich, creamy filling for a perfect balance of heat and comfort.
🧀 CHEESY PERFECTION – Mozzarella melts into every bite, making this dish irresistibly gooey.
🍝 EASY & IMPRESSIVE – Simple to prepare, yet looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
My favorite part? The bubbling, golden cheese crust on top—there’s nothing better than that first bite of crispy, creamy, cheesy goodness!
Honestly, this dish might just be the best-kept secret in Italian cuisine. The combination of spicy arrabbiata sauce, soft pasta, and melty mozzarella is pure magic. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this on repeat! 😍
More Recipes to Try
Love this Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Cannelloni? Here are a few more delicious dishes that bring comfort and flavor to the table:
Baked Crepe Lasagna – A unique twist on traditional lasagna, made with delicate crepes and rich layers of filling.
Tuscan Beef Ragu Recipe – A slow-cooked, deeply flavorful meat sauce perfect for your favorite pasta.
Quick and Easy Pasta Salad Recipe – A fresh and simple side dish that comes together in minutes, ideal for busy days or summer gatherings.
Craving even more comfort food inspiration? Browse the full recipe collection on Delicious Destinations for hearty meals, light bites, and everything in between.
Ingredients in Easy Mozzarella Cannelloni
Here’s what you need to make Easy Mozzarella Cannelloni:
Cannelloni: Use dried cannelloni tubes, which are perfect for stuffing. No need to pre-boil them—baking in the sauce softens them beautifully.
Mozzarella Balls: Opt for fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for a creamy, melty texture. You can also use shredded mozzarella if preferred.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and slightly sweet, cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst of flavor to balance the richness of the cheese and the heat of the arrabbiata sauce.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet touch that enhances the overall flavor and complements the spice of the arrabbiata sauce.
Cooking Cream: A splash of heavy or cooking cream gives the dish a rich, silky texture and helps mellow out the spice from the sauce.
Arrabbiata Sauce: This classic Italian tomato sauce is known for its spicy kick, thanks to chili peppers. Use store-bought for convenience or make your own for a homemade touch.
Grated Cheese (Optional): A final layer of Parmesan or extra mozzarella on top creates a beautifully golden, bubbly crust.
This combination of ingredients ensures every bite is cheesy, spicy, fresh, and absolutely delicious!
How to make Easy Mozzarella Cannelloni
Making this baked mozzarella-stuffed cannelloni is all about layering flavors and textures. The creamy mozzarella melts into the pasta, blending beautifully with the spicy arrabbiata sauce and fragrant basil. A touch of heavy cream adds richness, while a golden, bubbly cheese topping brings everything together. Once baked, the dish transforms into a warm, comforting meal with the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness.
So, if all that sounds good to you, let’s see how it’s done:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the mozzarella balls in half if they are too large. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and set them aside along with the fresh basil leaves.
Step 3: Fill the Cannelloni
Stuff each cannelloni tube with three mozzarella balls and three slices of cherry tomato, alternating between them for even distribution.
Step 4: Layer the Sauce and Cannelloni
Spread a layer of arrabbiata sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer on top. Spread the remaining arrabbiata sauce evenly over the cannelloni, making sure all the tubes are fully covered. Then, pour the heavy cream over the top to add richness and balance the spice.
Do the same with the rest of the layers.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the dish, ensuring an even layer for a cheesy golden crust.
Step 6: Bake the Cannelloni
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Ready to Serve
Let the cannelloni cool slightly before serving, then garnish with fresh basil and enjoy warm.
This baked mozzarella-stuffed cannelloni is creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. With melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, every bite is comforting and delicious. Serve it for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, it’s always a hit. Add a crisp salad or garlic bread, and enjoy a taste of Italy at home. Buon appetito!
I’d love to know what you think if you give this a try! 🙂 – Angie
Watch how to make it
Follow along with this detailed, step-by-step video guide to discover just how simple and enjoyable it is to prepare this baked mozzarella-stuffed cannelloni!
The best part? It’s quick and easy, so you can impress your family or guests with a delicious homemade dish in no time! Grab your ingredients, hit play, and let’s get started!
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Easy Mozzarella Cannelloni
Ingredients
- 18 cannelloni tubes
- 54 mini mozzarella balls bocconcini
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 3 cups arrabbiata sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the mozzarella balls in half if they are too large. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and set them aside along with the fresh basil leaves.
Step 3: Fill the Cannelloni
- Stuff each cannelloni tube with three mozzarella balls and three slices of cherry tomato, alternating between them for even distribution.
Step 4: Layer the Sauce and Cannelloni
- Spread a layer of arrabbiata sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer on top. Spread the remaining arrabbiata sauce evenly over the cannelloni, making sure all the tubes are fully covered. Then, pour the heavy cream over the top to add richness and balance the spice.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the dish, ensuring an even layer for a cheesy golden crust.
Step 6: Bake the Cannelloni
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the cannelloni cool slightly before serving, then garnish with fresh basil and enjoy warm.
Notes
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A super ricipe! Delicious, creamy and filo of flavor-definitely a keeper