Name: How to Make Delicious Manicotti at Home
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 manicotti pasta shells (substitute jumbo shells or crepes if needed); 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for lighter option); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 2 large eggs; 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or spinach for variation); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

Description

This classic Manicotti recipe is a cheesy, saucy, and comforting Italian-American favorite. Giant pasta tubes are stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, smothered in marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella, and baked to perfection. It’s easier than it looks and makes the perfect family dinner or potluck dish.

Ingredients

Scale

12 manicotti pasta shells (substitute jumbo shells or crepes if needed)
15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for lighter option)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 large eggs
4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or spinach for variation)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil manicotti tubes in salted water until just al dente (6–7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, eggs, parsley, and seasonings until creamy.
Fill the Manicotti: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each pasta shell. Handle gently to avoid tearing.
Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange filled pasta in a single layer. Cover with remaining sauce and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and enjoy with garlic bread and salad.

Notes

Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy after baking. Use a piping bag or zip-top bag for easier filling. For make-ahead convenience, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, or freeze for up to 3 months before baking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 filled manicotti shell
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 65mg