Name: Baked Manicotti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 manicotti shells; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon fresh basil (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked manicotti is a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that combines creamy cheese filling with the tangy flavors of marinara sauce. It’s perfect for meal prepping, can be made ahead of time, and even freezes well. The combination of tender pasta and gooey cheese makes every bite a comforting experience. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a gathering, it’s a dish that never disappoints.

Ingredients

12 manicotti shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon fresh basil (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions, draining and setting aside once done. Be sure not to overcook them, as they will continue cooking while baking.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the cheese filling.
Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. If needed, you can use a spoon or a piping bag for easier filling.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish, aligning them in a single layer.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, ensuring the shells are completely covered.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Meat-filled manicotti: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the cheese filling for a heartier dish.
Vegetarian version: For a meatless option, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the cheese filling.
Different sauces: Swap marinara for a white sauce, such as alfredo, for a rich and creamy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover baked manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled manicotti tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the manicotti in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make baked manicotti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the manicotti and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, ricotta salata, or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.

How do I prevent the manicotti shells from breaking while stuffing?

To prevent the shells from cracking, ensure they are slightly undercooked (al dente) when boiling, and be gentle when stuffing them.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Manicotti is the traditional pasta used for this dish, but you can substitute it with large shells if necessary.

Can I freeze baked manicotti?

Yes, baked manicotti freezes well. After baking, let it cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with baked manicotti?

Baked manicotti pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe. However, homemade sauce will add extra flavor if you have the time.

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! You can add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the cheese filling for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I prevent the manicotti from becoming too soggy?

Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente and drain them well before stuffing to prevent excess moisture from making them soggy.

How can I make baked manicotti spicier?

To add heat, try incorporating red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or adding a bit of chili powder to the cheese filling.

Conclusion

Baked manicotti is a classic, comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, creamy cheese, and savory marinara sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re in the mood for a hearty meal. With its simple ingredients and satisfying flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Plus, it can easily be customized to suit your tastes, making it a versatile dish that everyone will enjoy.

Baked Manicotti

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Author: Ava
Total Time: 1hour
Yield: 6servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Baked manicotti is a delicious and comforting Italian dish featuring pasta tubes filled with a savory cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or special occasions, this dish will satisfy everyone at the table.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to create the cheese filling.
Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish, then cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Let sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Meat-filled: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the cheese filling for extra richness.
Vegetarian: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie-packed filling.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled manicotti tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 40min
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian