Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

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.

In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.

Add about 1 cup of marinara sauce to the bottom of the baking dish and spread evenly.

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.

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top, covering the shells fully. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the manicotti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

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

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 40
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 19 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 21 g

Keywords: Manicotti