Top 1 Irresistible Manicotti : Cozy Italian Recipe

If you’re searching for the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this manicotti recipe is exactly what you need. With tender pasta shells, creamy ricotta filling, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese on top, this dish is the definition of comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or craving something indulgent, this easy manicotti recipe delivers authentic flavor with minimal fuss.

Inspired by Cozy Cook recipes, this homemade baked pasta classic brings Italian tradition right into your kitchen. It’s hearty, satisfying, and customizable—everything a great stuffed pasta dish should be.

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What Is Manicotti? A Traditional Italian Favorite

Manicotti, which translates to “little sleeves” in Italian, refers to large pasta tubes that are stuffed with a rich filling and baked in sauce. The most traditional version includes ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan mixed with herbs, then topped with tomato sauce and more cheese before baking. While it’s similar to pasta shells, manicotti is generally smoother and longer, giving it more room for filling.

This dish is a staple in Italian dinner recipes, especially for special occasions or Sunday suppers. It’s rustic, flavorful, and easy to love.

Why This Easy Manicotti Recipe from The Cozy Cook Works Every Time

What makes this version of manicotti stand out is its combination of simplicity and bold, homemade flavor. It uses basic ingredients you likely already have on hand but layers them into something spectacular. The texture is creamy, the cheese pull is satisfying, and every bite is full of Italian flavor.

Fans of The Cozy Cook know that comfort food is the specialty, and this dish is no exception. It’s approachable, family-friendly, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned home chefs. Plus, the method is forgiving—you don’t need any fancy tools or complicated steps.

Ingredients for the Best Manicotti Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing manicotti:

For the cheese filling:
2 cups ricotta cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the dish:
1 box (8–10 pieces) manicotti pasta
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for boiling pasta)

Optional:
Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
Fresh basil for serving

These ingredients create a balanced filling that’s rich but not too heavy, and a perfectly melty, cheesy finish.

Essential Tools You’ll Need for Stuffed Pasta Recipes

To make this cozy cook-style manicotti recipe, gather these kitchen tools:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking dish (9×13-inch works well)
Spoon or piping bag for filling
Aluminum foil
Oven mitts
Colander
Spatula or serving spoon

A piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off makes filling the pasta cleaner and quicker.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Manicotti Like a Pro

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add olive oil and cook manicotti shells until just al dente, about 5–6 minutes. Drain and lay on a baking sheet to cool slightly without sticking.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
4. Add about 1 cup of marinara sauce to the bottom of the baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place stuffed shells into the baking dish in a single layer.
6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top, covering the shells fully. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let the manicotti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian meal.

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Stuffing Tips: How to Fill Pasta Shells Without the Mess

Use a piping bag or large plastic bag to pipe the filling into the manicotti
If using a spoon, hold the shell in one hand and fill from both ends
Do not overboil the pasta—slightly undercooked shells are easier to stuff
Let the pasta cool before handling so it won’t tear
Work on a flat surface like a baking tray to keep things organized

These tips make the stuffing process faster, cleaner, and much more enjoyable.

Baking Tips: How to Get Perfectly Cooked Manicotti Every Time

Cover the dish with foil during the first stage of baking to keep the moisture in
Use enough sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out—this is key to a successful bake
Bake uncovered at the end to achieve that bubbly, golden top layer
Let the dish rest before serving—this helps the cheese firm up and flavors blend

Following these simple baking techniques guarantees perfectly cooked stuffed pasta with minimal effort.

Serving Suggestions for Classic Italian Dinner Recipes

Manicotti is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides enhances the meal beautifully. Try these ideas:

Garlic knots or crusty Italian bread
Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
Sautéed spinach or broccoli
Tomato and mozzarella caprese salad
A light soup like minestrone or Italian wedding soup

With these sides, your Italian dinner recipe becomes a full experience, worthy of a restaurant menu.

Variations: Meat-Filled, Veggie, and Gluten-Free Manicotti Options

This recipe is flexible—try these versions for something different:

Meat-filled manicotti: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the cheese mixture
Vegetable manicotti: Mix in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a nutrient boost
Gluten-free manicotti: Use gluten-free pasta tubes or substitute with thinly sliced zucchini
Cheesy Alfredo version: Swap the marinara for creamy Alfredo sauce and Parmesan
Spicy option: Add a dash of crushed red pepper to the filling or sauce

These customizations make it easy to tailor the dish to your tastes or dietary needs.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Leftover Manicotti

To refrigerate:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Bake at 350°F covered with foil for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot.

To freeze:
Assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 60–75 minutes, covered.

These storage options make manicotti perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Stuffed Pasta Dishes

Boiling pasta too long: It becomes too soft to fill and can tear easily
Under-seasoning the filling: The cheese mixture needs flavor—don’t skip the herbs and spices
Not using enough sauce: The pasta needs to be fully covered to stay moist while baking
Filling the shells unevenly: It leads to some overstuffed and others underfilled
Baking uncovered the whole time: This can dry out the top layer and edges

Avoiding these errors ensures a delicious and visually pleasing final dish.

Pairings: What to Serve with Manicotti for a Full Italian Meal

Manicotti pairs beautifully with:

Classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons
Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans
Toasted bruschetta or tomato crostini
Lemon-dressed mixed greens
Balsamic roasted carrots

These sides enhance your manicotti without overpowering it and create a full meal bursting with Italian flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Manicotti

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze baked manicotti?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Can I use jumbo pasta shells instead?
Absolutely. While the shape is different, they hold the same filling and bake the same way.

Can I use store-bought ricotta or make my own?
Both work! Just be sure to drain any excess moisture for a thick, creamy filling.

Is manicotti vegetarian?
Yes, this version is meatless and perfect for a vegetarian main dish. You can also customize it to include meat.

🥣 Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 21 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Calcium: 280 mg
Iron: 2.5 mg
Potassium: 320 mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts: Save, Share, and Subscribe for More Cozy Cook Recipes

This manicotti recipe is everything comfort food should be—creamy, cheesy, easy to prepare, and rich with homemade flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a tried-and-true classic to add to your collection, this dish brings the warm, comforting taste of Italian meals to your table.

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