Let’s talk about pasta perfection: big, beautiful paccheri tubes stuffed with creamy ricotta and fresh parsley, then baked until bubbly and golden. This Ricotta & Parsley Paccheri is a total showstopper but the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish delivers major flavor and comfort.

We’re leaning into simple ingredients that do big things. The creamy ricotta, the brightness of fresh parsley, the savory tomato sauce, and that ooey-gooey cheese on top it all comes together in the most delicious way. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s bring this cheesy, herbaceous masterpiece to life.

Why You’ll Love Ricotta & Parsley Paccheri

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties. Dress it up or keep it cozy.
Budget-Friendly: With simple, pantry staples like pasta, ricotta, and tomato sauce, it’s easy on your wallet.
Quick and Easy: No fancy equipment or complicated techniques just delicious layers of flavor.
Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or swap herbs to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Ricotta & Parsley Paccheri

It’s amazing how just a few fresh and flavorful ingredients can come together to make something truly special.

Paccheri Pasta: These oversized tubes are perfect for holding creamy, cheesy filling in every bite.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, rich, and the heart of the filling. Choose a good-quality ricotta for the best flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Bright and herby, parsley brings a fresh contrast to the richness of the cheese.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it holds together beautifully when baked.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the ricotta filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey blanket over the top totally irresistible.
Marinara or Tomato Sauce: Tangy, savory, and a perfect balance to the creamy filling.
Salt and Pepper: The essential seasonings that bring everything to life.
Olive Oil: A little drizzle keeps things from sticking and adds richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook the Paccheri

Boil your paccheri just until al dente firm but not mushy. Drain and set aside, letting them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.

Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, egg, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Fill the Paccheri

Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each paccheri tube with the ricotta-parsley mixture. Be generous—each bite should be creamy and satisfying.

Assemble the Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the filled paccheri upright (open ends facing up). Pour more sauce on top and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. That cheesy filling needs a moment to set—and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 410

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Ricotta & Parsley Paccheri

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• With Garlic Bread or Focaccia: You’ll want something to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, lemony salad balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.
• Glass of Red Wine: A Chianti or Sangiovese is lovely with this.
• Roasted Veggies: Think zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant on the side.
• As a Main Dish for a Dinner Party: It’s elegant enough to serve to guests but still feels cozy and homemade.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Let your ricotta come to room temperature it blends easier with the other ingredients.
• Don’t overcook the pasta before baking, or it may fall apart.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta for a warm, subtle flavor twist.
• Use a piping bag for quicker, neater filling.
• You can make this ahead and bake it when ready it’s great for meal prep!

FAQs

1 Can I use another type of pasta if I can’t find paccheri?
Yes! Try manicotti or cannelloni they’re also perfect for stuffing.

2 Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to a day in advance, then bake when you’re ready to serve.

3 Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Just wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

4 Can I make this vegetarian?
It already is! Just be sure your cheese and sauce are vegetarian-friendly.

5 Can I add spinach to the filling?
Definitely. Sautéed spinach makes a delicious and nutritious addition.

6 What’s the best sauce to use?
A simple, flavorful marinara works great, but feel free to use a spicy arrabbiata or creamy tomato sauce if you prefer.

7 Can I make it without eggs?
You can skip the egg, but the filling may be slightly looser—still delicious though!

8 How do I know when it’s done baking?
The cheese should be golden and bubbly, and the sauce will be gently simmering around the edges.

9 Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Yes, just choose one that’s thick and creamy, not watery.

10 Is this kid-friendly?
Very! It’s cheesy, mild, and fun to eat it’s a hit with little ones.

Conclusion

Ricotta & Parsley Paccheri is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor yet simple enough to make any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or just indulging in some cheesy goodness, this dish delivers comfort and joy in every bite. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to pasta favorite!

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