26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (2024)

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (1)

Go on and stuff yourself! When it comes to making the ultimate comfort food, we can't help but instantly think of our favorite beyond-cheesy stuffed pastas. Our fridges pretty much always have a healthy stash of ravioli, tortellini, and manicotti pasta on hand. And why not? Pasta is a go-to dinner for a reason: It's easy to make, doesn't take long to cook, and there always seems to be a spare box in your pantry. Go beyond just your usual spaghetti and meatballs routine and try these lush stuffed pasta recipes that cover appetizers, easy cheap easy dinners, and fall soups that will warm you right up.

Bit intimidated by the idea of making fresh homemade pasta for your stuffed pastas? Don't be! We've tried all the best pasta makers you can buy, but luckily tons of these recipes require only store-bought noodles, like our creamy tortellini minestrone, spanakopita stuffed shells, and one-pan ravioli shakshuka. They're just as delicious as any of our homemade pasta recipes, promise. Though we can't lie and say we aren't absolutely obsessed with our pumpkin ravioli and butternut squash ravioli recipes. Also, we have to admit we cut a few corners when we created our homemade lobster ravioli recipe. (Hint: It involves wonton wrappers.)

Looking for more pasta ideas? Check out these next-level spaghetti recipes, our guide to the best way to boil pasta, baked pasta recipes, and our favorite Italian pasta recipes that go way beyond just noodles and sauce.

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1

One-Pan Ravioli Shakshuka

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (3)

Traditional shakshuka has runny eggs that have simmered in the warmly spiced tomato sauce, but in this version, we traded out the eggs for ravioli, and it's every bit as satisfying. It's the perfect version for dinner, and honestly, the pasta is a lot easier than stressing over getting that egg perfectly runny. Serve it with some crusty bread for swiping in the sauce, and you have the coziest weeknight dinner in about 30 minutes.

Get the One-Pan Ravioli Shakshuka recipe.

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2

Cheese Manicotti

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (5)

These manicotti are the epitome of comfort food. When you're craving cheese and carbs, there's really nothing better. If you're craving this but you want something a little lighter, try our zucchini manicotti! No noodles involved.

Get the Cheese Manicotti recipe.

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3

Spanakopita Stuffed Shells

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (7)

It's always a thrill when you can take two mainstays of different cuisines and mash them up into something wholly unique and delicious. After you try this, you'll realize that spanakopita and stuffed shells were always meant to be.

Get the Spanakopita Stuffed Shells recipe.

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4

Creamy Tortellini Minestrone

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (9)

We say the more, the merrier when it comes to classic Italian minestrone soup. Sure, typically that's in reference to lots and lots of vegetables, but we took it a different direction and added a touch of creaminess, plus cheese-filled tortellini. The simmered melody of vegetables in this soup tastes equally phenomenal when the vegetables are in season and in the cold winter months when the markets are sparse.

Get the Creamy Tortellini Minestrone recipe.

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5

Lobster Ravioli

For this version of lobster ravioli, wonton wrappers are used instead of pasta dough. We know that it's hardly Italian traditon, but we wanted to make this easy for you. And guess what… they are so darn delicious. The wonton wrappers are so tender and light that you really only taste the decadent lobster filling. If you want actual pasta-encased lobster ravioli, then our pasta dough is great; otherwise, we promise you’re going to make these over and over again.

Get the Lobster Ravioli recipe.

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6

Pumpkin Ravioli

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (13)

These autumnal ravioli may not be quick or easy, but they are SO delicious. Give yourself an afternoon to prepare them, or make the pasta dough the night before so you have half the work done already!

Get the Pumpkin Ravioli recipe.

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7

Spinach Tortellini Soup

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (15)

A regular rotation of healthy soups makes getting through the week so much easier, and this spinach tortellini version slides easily into the mix. (Stack it up alongside roasted red pepper soup, cream of broccoli soup, spinach soup, and even, yes, avocado soup.) It only takes 25 minutes to make spinach tortellini soup thanks to pantry staples like shallots, Parmesan, canned tomatoes, and tortellini. (What, you don't keep a package or two of fresh tortellini in your freezer? Well, it's about time.)

Get the Spinach Tortellini Soup recipe.

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8

Chicken Manicotti

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (17)

Nothing beats a pasta stuffed with ricotta and chicken and covered in a creamy Alfredo sauce, and this is the perfect representation of that. Let your pasta cool while you make the filling and sauce so that it's easy to handle when you're stuffing the shells.

Get the Chicken Manicotti recipe.

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9

Butternut Squash Ravioli

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (19)

Putting in the elbow grease for these squash ravioli will make you feel like a true chef, and the pasta will taste 10x better just knowing you made it from scratch. A homemade pasta is no easy feat, but trust us, it is 100% worth it.

Get the Butternut Squash Ravioli recipe.

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10

Antipasto Bites

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (21)

Fresh tortellini makes this the hearty party appetizer of our summer dreams. If you're not a fan of olives, pepperoncini peppers would be a delicious substitute!

Get the Antipasto Bites recipe.

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11

Four-Cheese Stuffed Shells

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When you're craving something carb-loaded and cheesy, only these ultra-rich stuffed shells will do. When developing these, we figured that just one cheese would be such a missed opportunity. So we packed these with four delectable cheeses to add layers of flavor and cheesiness to your dinner. All you need to complete the meal is a good homemade cannoli. 😉

Get the Four-Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe.

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12

Air Fryer Ravioli

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (25)

Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, these little air fryer ravioli are like a slightly more sophisticated mozzarella stick. Thanks to the ingenious design of the air fryer, you can get that delightfully crispy, poppable texture of toasted ravioli without the grease. The key to the crunchy coating is first dipping the pasta in an egg-milk mixture, followed by a roll around in parmesan and bread crumbs. Dunked in pesto, the result is next to impossible to put down.

Get the Air Fryer Ravioli recipe.

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13

Enchilada Stuffed Shells

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (27)

We are pretty much always in the mood for enchiladas, but sometimes you have exactly zero tortillas on hand. This recipe solves that by using that cheesy chicken enchilada filling for stuffed shells. Genius.

Get the Enchilada Stuffed Shells recipe.

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14

Tuscan Tortellini Salad

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (29)

This easy tortellini salad is the only pasta salad we bring to potlucks. It's quick and simple with an easy homemade vinaigrette that will make it stand out among a sea of macaroni salads.

Get the Tuscan Tortellini Salad recipe.

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15

Ravioli Lasagna

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (31)

Italian night is just so better when your two favorite pasta dishes are combined. In this case, we layer meat sauce, store-bought ravioli, and tons of melty mozzarella with ricotta.

Get the Ravioli Lasagna recipe.

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16

Spinach Stuffed Shells with Mini Turkey Meatballs

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (33)

In our unscientific opinion, tiny food just somehow tastes better? While we love our spinach-stuffed shells, there's just something even more delicious about stuffing them with mini homemade turkey meatballs.

Get the Spinach-Stuffed Shells with Mini Turkey Meatballs recipe.

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17

Lasagna Roll-Ups

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (35)

Classic lasagna, as much as we adore it, can be extremely time-consuming. These roll-ups come together in no time and couldn't be more delicious. This spinach and ricotta version (but feel free to add meat if you like!) is quick and simple and still every bit as comforting as the traditional.

Get the Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe.

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18

Broccoli-Sausage Stuffed Shells

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (37)

Spicy Italian sausage kicks up the heat—and the flavor—in this amped up version of classic stuffed shells.

Get the Broccoli-Sausage Stuffed Shells recipe.

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19

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (39)

Chicken noodle soup is already the most comforting soup ever; tortellini just adds that perfect hint of indulgence.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe.

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20

Toasted Ravioli

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (41)

We are obsessed with ravioli, but most of the time we admit that the four pieces you get as a serving is not filling enough. That's why it makes the perfect app. Breaded and fried, it's so fun to eat ravioli with your hands and dipping it in plenty of marinara. Bonus! Toasted ravioli works in the air fryer too, meaning you can skip all of the oil for an even more perfect appetizer.

Get the Toasted Ravioli recipe.

26 Over-The-Top Stuffed Pasta Recipes Perfect For Any Night (2024)

FAQs

What is large filled pasta called? ›

Ravioli is generally a flat piece of pasta that is then wrapped around a filling, much like a dumpling. It can be served with ragù sauce, or in brodo or broth. The category includes ravioli pasta, filled ravioli, cheese ravioli, baked ravioli, toasted ravioli, mushrooms ravioli, ravioli giganti and big ravioli.

What to serve with stuffed pasta? ›

I often serve these stuffed shells with my Homemade Caesar Salad, but my Arugula Salad, Beet Salad, or Simple Green Salad would also pair well with this recipe. And when it comes to bread, you really can't go wrong! Stick with a crusty loaf, or make rosemary focaccia, garlic knots, or dinner rolls. Enjoy!

What can I add to pasta to make it more interesting? ›

1–6. Veggies
  1. Broccoli. Broccoli is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that makes a great addition to any pasta dish. ...
  2. Mushrooms. Mushrooms can bring a creamy taste and texture to pasta dishes, along with a host of health benefits. ...
  3. Peas. ...
  4. Spinach. ...
  5. Tomatoes. ...
  6. Asparagus.
Apr 11, 2022

What's the difference between tortellini and manicotti? ›

Literally meaning 'little sleeves', these tubes of pasta are stuffed with ricotta, meat, spinach, or a combination. Ravioli and tortellini can be served baked or on their own with sauce. However, manicotti is strictly a baked delight. It's comfort food served in a meaty, cheesy, bubbling sauce.

What is the name of Italian stuffed pasta? ›

Possibly the most recognisable filled pasta type, ravioli are named after the Italian term 'riavvolgere' meaning “to wrap.” Ravioli have been a staple of Italian cuisine since the 14th century. One of the earliest recipes includes chopped green herbs, fresh cheese, and egg - with the ravioli then simmered in broth.

What is pasta stuffed with cheese called? ›

But when you're asked to imagine any type of pasta filled with cheese or meat, chances are two pastas in particular immediately come to mind: ravioli and tortellini. The main components of the Italian meal are sauce, cheese, and carbs (either pasta or bread).

What is the most popular pasta dish? ›

The most famous pasta dishes are:
  • Spaghetti Bolognaise.
  • Lasagne.
  • Fettuccine Alfredo.
  • Pasta Carbonara.
  • Ravioli.
  • Pasta alla Norma.
  • Spaghetti alle Vongole.
  • Macaroni Cheese.
Oct 24, 2023

What are the names of two types of stuffed pasta? ›

Some stuffed pastas, like ravioli and tortellini, are meant to be filled before they're boiled. Others, like conchiglie (“shells”) are boiled, then stuffed and baked. Some are served in a light broth, while others taste best with a hearty sauce.

How long does stuffed pasta last? ›

Like most leftovers, your stuffed shells should last for three to four days in a fridge set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower . If you can't eat the extra stuffed shells so soon, put them in the freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and they will stay fresh for four months.

How do you pimp up pasta? ›

It's not just about cheese. Garnish your pasta with a grating of lemon zest, some crunchy breadcrumbs or even a crumble of crispy bacon to add texture and taste. Herb it up. Experiment with lots of fresh herbs in your pasta dishes.

What vegetables can I put in pasta? ›

Apart from tomatoes, which are a classic, asparagus, artichokes, zucchini, the combination of zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes, the combination of asparagus, zucchini, and peas, peas (with prosciutto), pumpkin, mushrooms (not really a vegetable), borlotti beans, red chickory, broccoli, cauliflower.

How to jazz up boring pasta? ›

Fresh or dried herbs will also add flavor to pasta dishes.

"Oregano, garlic powder, onion flakes, black pepper all work well in a variety of sauces."

What three foods are tortellini typically stuffed with? ›

Tortellini is a ring-shaped pasta typically stuffed with cheese, meat or vegetables.

What are stuffed pasta tubes called? ›

Also known as Cannelloni, these prized pasta tubes are named for their hollow “sleeve”-like shape. Manicotti can be stuffed with any number of fillings, though creamy ricotta and herb is the most popular choice. For something new, try a savory stuffing of Italian sausage, mushrooms, sautéed vegetables or squash.

Do Italians eat tortellini with sauce? ›

In Italy, meat tortellini are traditionally served in broth, but they are enjoyed with other toppings, too: cheese sauce, cream sauce, pesto or tomato sauce. There are also cheese versions of tortellini. Tortellini are also eaten for dessert!

What are the different types of filled pasta? ›

Far be it from me to throw myself into this stormy sea, but I must say that, although the most well-known types of stuffed pasta in Emilia Romagna are tortellini (stuffed with pork, ham, mortadella, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and egg), cappelletti (with capon or chicken meat, pork, ricotta cheese, egg, and grated ...

What are the different kinds of filled pasta? ›

Ravioli, wontons, and tortellini are all types of filled pasta, but they differ in their shape, size, and filling. Ravioli is a type of Italian pasta that is usually square-shaped or round and filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.

What is another name for jumbo pasta shells? ›

The pasta called conchiglioni, usually marketed as “jumbo shells” here in the US, are filled with a ricotta cream enriched with mozzarella, napped with a simple marinara sauce and topped with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan before being baked in a hot oven.

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