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manicotti recipe

 


Classic Manicotti Recipe (Cheesy Italian Pasta Bake)

Manicotti is a traditional Italian-American pasta dish made with large pasta tubes stuffed with creamy ricotta filling, covered in marinara sauce, and baked with gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a cheesy pasta bake.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make authentic manicotti at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy ricotta filling with spinach or herbs.
  • Family-friendly Italian dinner.
  • Can be made ahead and baked later.
  • Freezer-friendly for meal prep.

Ingredients for Manicotti

For the Pasta & Filling:

  • 12 manicotti pasta shells (or cannelloni as a substitute)
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook manicotti shells until just al dente (slightly firm, since they’ll bake).
  3. Drain and place on a tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and seasonings.
  2. Stir until creamy and well combined.
  3. Transfer mixture into a piping bag or zip-lock bag for easy filling.

3. Make the Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  2. Add marinara sauce and red chili flakes.
  3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

4. Assemble the Manicotti

  1. Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  2. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
  3. Arrange filled manicotti in the baking dish.
  4. Pour remaining sauce over the pasta.
  5. Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  3. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Manicotti

  • Use a piping bag to fill shells easily without breaking them.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta before baking, or it may fall apart.
  • Add spinach, basil, or ground beef to the filling for variety.
  • Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad.
  • Serve alongside roasted vegetables or antipasto.
  • Add a glass of red wine for a true Italian dining experience.

Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze unbaked manicotti for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen with extra time.
  • Reheat baked manicotti covered with foil to keep it moist.

FAQs about Manicotti

1. Can I make manicotti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. What’s the difference between manicotti and cannelloni?
Manicotti are ridged tubes (Italian-American style), while cannelloni are smooth pasta tubes (traditional Italian). Both work in this recipe.

3. Can I use no-boil manicotti shells?
Yes, just stuff them dry and bake with extra sauce to soften during cooking.

4. Can I add meat to the filling?
Absolutely—ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken can be mixed with ricotta.

5. Can I freeze baked manicotti?
Yes, let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

You May Also Like

  • [Lasagna Recipe]
  • [Stuffed Shells Recipe]
  • [Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake]
  • [Baked Ziti Recipe]
  • [Eggplant Parmesan Recipe]

👉 This classic Manicotti recipe is cheesy, comforting, and perfect for any Italian-inspired dinner. Try it today and enjoy homemade goodness straight from your oven!

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