Easy Cheesy Manicotti

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious Italian-inspired dish, look no further than Easy Cheesy Manicotti. This recipe features tender pasta shells stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a date night, manicotti is a dish that delivers big on flavor while being surprisingly easy to prepare. Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is approachable and comes with step-by-step guidance to ensure you get amazing results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Easy Cheesy Manicotti for its simplicity and versatility. It uses everyday ingredients but creates a dish that tastes like it came from an authentic Italian kitchen. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese makes for a rich and satisfying filling, while the marinara sauce adds tangy, savory notes that balance out the creaminess. Plus, this recipe can be customized to include your favorite proteins, vegetables, or even a different type of sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a meal for two, this dish is sure to impress.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving size: 2 manicotti shells

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Manicotti:

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
2. Drain the shells and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off for easy filling.

3. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.

4. Assemble the Manicotti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill or tear the shells. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells, ensuring they are fully covered to prevent drying out.

5. Add the Topping

1. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 2 tbsp of Parmesan cheese over the sauce-covered shells.

6. Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Ingredient Background

Manicotti, which translates to “little sleeves” in Italian, is a tubular pasta perfect for stuffing. It’s often filled with ricotta cheese, a creamy and mild cheese that works well with the rich marinara sauce. The addition of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses provides gooey, melty texture and a sharp, salty flavor. The marinara sauce ties everything together with its robust tomato base and Italian herb profile. Together, these ingredients create a classic Italian comfort dish that’s both flavorful and filling.

Technique Tips

• Undercook the pasta: Slightly undercooking the manicotti ensures it doesn’t become too soft after baking.
• Use a piping bag: Filling the shells is much easier and less messy when you use a piping bag or resealable plastic bag.
• Cover with sauce: Ensuring all the shells are covered in marinara sauce helps prevent them from drying out during baking.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the filling set and makes serving easier.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Single-Serve Portions: Bake individual servings in small ramekins for an elegant presentation.
2. Layered Casserole: Instead of stuffing the shells, layer the pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce in a lasagna-style dish.
3. Baked Ziti Twist: Break the manicotti shells into pieces and toss with the cheese mixture, sauce, and additional pasta for a rustic, baked pasta dish.
4. Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the cheese mixture for added nutrients and flavor.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use a spoon or small spatula to help guide the filling into the shells if you don’t have a piping bag.
• Don’t overstuff the shells; this could cause them to break or leak during baking.
• Choose a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor, or make your own from scratch.
• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or crushed garlic on top of the dish for an extra flavor boost.

Recipe Variations

• Meaty Manicotti: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the cheese filling for a heartier dish.
• Spinach and Ricotta: Mix sautéed spinach into the ricotta filling for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
• Four-Cheese Manicotti: Use a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheese for an ultra-rich filling.
• Alfredo Manicotti: Swap the marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a decadent variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing (Uncooked): Assemble the manicotti but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 20-25 minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat manicotti shells for added fiber.
• Replace full-fat ricotta with part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese.
• Add finely chopped vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale to the cheese mixture for a nutrient boost.
• Use low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan to reduce the dish’s overall calorie content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Casual Dinners: Pair the manicotti with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a balanced meal.
• Family Gatherings: Serve as part of an Italian-themed dinner alongside chicken Parmesan, roasted vegetables, and tiramisu for dessert.
• Holiday Feasts: Use fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes to garnish the dish for a festive, colorful presentation.
• Potluck Favorite: Double the recipe and bake in two dishes—one for the event and one to keep for yourself!

Special Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowls for cheese filling and sauce preparation
• Piping bag or resealable plastic bag for filling shells
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil for covering during baking

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use no-boil manicotti shells?
Yes, no-boil shells work well, but be sure to add extra marinara sauce to ensure the pasta softens properly during baking.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the manicotti up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
If you can’t find manicotti shells, large pasta tubes like cannelloni work as a great substitute.

4. What’s the difference between manicotti and cannelloni?
Manicotti is a ridged pasta shell, while cannelloni is smooth. Both can be used interchangeably in this recipe.

5. How do I prevent the shells from breaking?
Handle the pasta gently and avoid overcooking during the boiling process.

6. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and mozzarella can be used as substitutes.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free manicotti shells and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

8. How do I make a homemade marinara sauce?
Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian herbs, and a pinch of sugar, then simmer for 20 minutes for a quick homemade marinara sauce.

Conclusion

Easy Cheesy Manicotti is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite. With its simple ingredients and customizable options, it’s a dish you can adapt to suit any occasion or dietary preference. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or a potluck gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Italian cuisine!

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