Sicilian Stuffed Baked Paccheri (Vegetarian)

This Stuffed Baked Paccheri recipe has it all: taste, crunch, cheesiness, simplicity, authenticity, and it’s also vegetarian.

If you ever taught that paccheri are so large they can be stuffed, you are completely right. So let’s do it like the Sicilians do. This recipe is perfect for Summer, when aubergines are widely available, but if you can get your hands on good quality ones, you can make it all year round. Otherwise, feel free to substitute the aubergines with courgettes, or maybe pumpkin. In that case, you could also switch up the cheese.

Let’s make it!

How do you properly cook paccheri to ensure it doesn’t split when stuffing?

Just blanch the paccheri in boiling water until they soften up but aren’t fully cooked. This helps the paccheri soften yet retain its shape before you stuff them and bake them in the oven.

What’s the best method to stuff paccheri?

Using a teaspoon is an effective method to stuff paccheri, helping you fill the pasta tubes without tearing them. Alternatively, if your filling is dry like ours today (we didn’t add the sauce to it), you can insert it with your clean hands. It makes it easier and quicker.

Can other types of pasta be used as a substitute for paccheri in the recipe?

Yes, if you can’t find paccheri, you can use conchiglioni, also known as large pasta shells, as a substitute. They offer a wider shape but similar size, that is ideal for stuffing.

How long does it take to bake stuffed paccheri?

Once stuffed and placed in the sauce, paccheri should be baked in the oven for around 20 minutes at the recommended temperature.

Can stuffed paccheri be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prepare the stuffed paccheri the day before, store it in the refrigerator, and then bake it the next day. This can save time and allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Can stuffed paccheri be frozen and reheated?

Yes, stuffed paccheri can be frozen and reheated. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to serve, defrost and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

What kind of sauce pairs well with stuffed paccheri?

A classic Italian tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with stuffed paccheri. The acidity and sweetness of the tomato sauce complement the filling and pasta perfectly.

Vegetarian Stuffed Baked Paccheri Recipe From Sicily

With all that information in mind, you are now ready to gather your ingredients, and get cooking this simple yet delicious pasta bake. Don’t be intimidated by the 90 minutes time, as you’ll be doing one step while something else cooks, so time will go very quickly, I promise.

More Stuffed Pasta & Paccheri Recipes

If you like stuffed pasta recipes, try this Stuffed Creamed Spinach Pasta Shells.

And if you love paccheri, browse more paccheri recipes here.