simple cheese manicotti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple cheese manicotti recipe

I’ve been making this simple cheese manicotti recipe for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The dish originates from Italy, where it’s known as ‘manicotti ripieni,’ meaning stuffed tubes.

My kids love helping me assemble the pasta tubes with the cheesy filling, and I appreciate how easy it is to make this recipe in large quantities. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it’s both comforting and impressive.

The key to making this recipe is to use fresh pasta, which cooks evenly and prevents the filling from escaping during baking. I’ve found that using a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheese gives the best flavor, as it provides a creamy texture without overpowering the pasta.

I also like to add some chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and color.

Simple Cheese Manicotti

4.5 from 930 votes

This classic cheese manicotti features tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, baked in a rich tomato sauce. It is a comforting and easy-to-prepare dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Manicotti

8 manicotti shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3Add the manicotti shells and cook for 6 minutes, until they are slightly softened but still firm to the bite.
4Drain the shells in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6Stir the mixture until it is well blended and smooth.
7The filling should be thick and creamy.
8Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
10Arrange the filled shells in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish.
11Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the filled shells, spreading it to cover them completely.
12Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
13Cover the dish tightly with foil.
14Bake the manicotti in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
15Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
16Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Spoon or piping bag
Foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use whole-milk ricotta and mozzarella. You can also substitute cottage cheese for half of the ricotta to reduce fat. If the shells are difficult to fill, use a piping bag with a large tip for easier handling.

Watch Video Of How Simple Cheese Manicotti Works

This simple cheese manicotti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.

When reheating, make sure to cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese Manicotti

Q: Can I use frozen manicotti instead of fresh pasta?

No, using frozen manicotti will not give you the same results as using fresh pasta. Fresh pasta cooks evenly and prevents the filling from escaping during baking. You can also use homemade pasta if you have the time and skills.

Q: What type of cheese should I use for the filling?

The combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese gives the best flavor and texture to the filling. You can adjust the ratio of mozzarella to parmesan to suit your taste preferences.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes, you can add other ingredients such as cooked ground beef, sautéed spinach, or diced tomatoes to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Q: How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes, including cooking time. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

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