Manicotti Recipe

If there’s one dish that turns weeknight dinners into something special and always makes guests swoon, it’s this Manicotti Recipe. Tender pasta shells overflow with a rich, creamy cheese filling, all slathered in bright marinara and crowned with golden, bubbling cheese. This Italian classic packs comfort, flavor, and plenty of drama into every bite! Whether you’re making it for a family feast or bringing it to a potluck, this Manicotti Recipe is the kind of meal that instantly makes you everybody’s favorite cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this dish is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Each item on this list does a little heavy lifting, whether it’s adding luscious creaminess, pillowy texture, or that famous Italian-herb kick. Here’s exactly what you’ll need for your Manicotti Recipe:

• Manicotti shells (10 each): These are the perfect edible vessels for holding all that scrumptious cheesy filling!
• Ricotta cheese (2 cups): The heart of the filling—its smooth, slightly sweet flavor creates the ultimate creamy texture inside every shell.
• Shredded parmesan cheese (1 ¼ cups, with ¼ cup separated): Parmesan gives the filling a nutty depth and tops it off with a salty finish.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 ½ cups, with 1 ½ cups separated): Melted mozzarella brings irresistible gooeyness and that signature cheese pull everyone loves!
• Marinara sauce (1 24 oz jar): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for a savory, tangy blanket that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Eggs (2): These will bind the cheeses together, ensuring the filling stays perfectly fluffy and rich.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a bit of garlic provides that irresistible aroma and classic Italian flavor profile.
• Dried parsley (1 tsp): Brings a pop of color and a slightly herbal note to balance out the richness.
• Dried basil (1 tsp): This classic herb amplifies the Italian vibes and compliments the tomato sauce beautifully.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for waking up all the other flavors—don’t be shy!
• Fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced, for garnish): The final touch for freshness, fragrance, and restaurant-worthy flair.

How to Make Manicotti Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Manicotti Shells

Begin by cooking the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until just al dente. Once they’re done, rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking, drain them well, and set aside. This step keeps the shells from sticking together and makes them easy to fill—just handle them gently, as they can be fragile!

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded parmesan, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella, both eggs, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried basil, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a unified, luscious filling with flecks of herbs and a delightfully creamy consistency.

Step 3: Sauce the Baking Dish

Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce along the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is your insurance against sticking and ensures the shells soak up extra saucy goodness as they bake.

Step 4: Fill the Manicotti Shells

This part feels a little like culinary arts and crafts! Gently spoon the cheese mixture into each cooked manicotti shell, being careful not to tear them. If you want to keep your hands (and kitchen) mess-free, load the filling into a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe it in like a pro. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in the baking dish, nestled side by side.

Step 5: Layer on the Sauce

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure each one gets a generous coating. Covering them fully guarantees the pasta turns out tender and that every forkful is deeply flavorful.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. During this time, the filling will set, and the flavors will mingle beautifully, making your kitchen smell absolutely dreamy!

Step 7: Add the Final Cheesy Top

After the initial bake, uncover the dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup parmesan on top. Slide it back into the oven, uncovered, for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to turn golden and irresistible.

Step 8: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once baked to perfection, let your Manicotti Recipe rest a few minutes so the filling sets and it’s easier to serve. Just before bringing it to the table, shower the top with thinly sliced fresh basil for a burst of peppery brightness and a restaurant-worthy presentation.

How to Serve Manicotti Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your Manicotti Recipe is all about layering in texture and color. Finishing with fresh basil adds a lively, aromatic punch, while a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can elevate each plate. Sometimes, a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a few toasted pine nuts add interest for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This rich, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or you could serve up garlicky roasted vegetables for color and balance. And don’t forget a warm basket of crusty Italian bread—perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce from your Manicotti Recipe!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, try arranging the manicotti shells in individual ramekins for personalized servings, or serve them family-style right from the bubbling casserole dish. You can also garnish each plate with edible flowers or microgreens for a show-stopping finish sure to wow your guests and make your Manicotti Recipe extra memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually mingle and intensify overnight, making next-day bites even tastier. Leftover Manicotti Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and it’s great for lunch or a quick weeknight heat-and-eat dinner.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, assemble your entire dish right up until the final cheese-topping step, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, and bake as directed, sprinkling the cheese topping on just before the final stretch in the oven. You can also freeze cooked leftovers for a homemade “TV dinner” whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions or the entire tray in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through—the oven keeps the texture best. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too, just add a spoonful of water or sauce to keep everything from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese in place of ricotta?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ricotta, try cottage cheese, mascarpone, or even a mixture of cream cheese and goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just make sure it’s creamy enough to fill the shells.

Is it okay to use homemade marinara sauce?

Homemade marinara is a fantastic upgrade! If you have a favorite family recipe or some sauce you’ve made in advance, go ahead and use it in this Manicotti Recipe for even more personalized flavor.

What’s the best way to fill manicotti shells without breaking them?

The trick is to cook the shells just until al dente, rinse with cold water, and handle them gently. Using a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner cut off) makes the filling process clean and easy, and helps avoid cracked pasta.

Can I make this Manicotti Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This gives the flavors time to meld and means less work at dinnertime.

Is this Manicotti Recipe vegetarian?

It sure is! This recipe is packed with cheese and boasts a rich, savory flavor with no meat needed. Just double-check your marinara sauce to make sure it doesn’t include any meat ingredients if you want to keep it 100% vegetarian.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling dish of manicotti fresh from the oven—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Give this Manicotti Recipe a try the next time you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and utterly delicious. I can’t wait for you to experience just how much everyone loves it!

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