easy cheese manicotti recipe

The Best easy cheese manicotti recipe

This recipe for easy cheese manicotti is a staple in my household. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender pasta, rich cheese filling, and creamy sauce is a match made in heaven. My kids love helping me make the manicotti, and they’re always excited to see the finished product on the table.

I’ve served this dish at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to make and customize to your taste. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners.

With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your loved ones. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through an Italian cookbook. I was drawn to the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation. As I began making it more frequently, I started to experiment with different variations and additions.

I added some garlic to give it an extra kick, some chopped parsley for a pop of color, and even some cooked sausage for added protein. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients. Fresh pasta is essential, as it will give your manicotti a more tender texture. The cheese filling should be rich and creamy, so don’t be afraid to add more or less cheese depending on your taste preferences.

When serving this dish, I like to garnish it with some fresh basil leaves or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for sopping up the sauce. One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Simply thaw it out and reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Easy Cheese Manicotti

4.7 from 546 votes

This simple cheese manicotti uses no-boil noodles and a creamy ricotta filling for a quick weeknight dinner. The dish is baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Filling

2 cups (16 oz) whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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 Manicotti

12 no-boil manicotti shells
3 cups (24 oz) marinara sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5Fill each no-boil manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
6You can use a small spoon or a piping bag with a large tip for easier filling.
7Place the filled shells in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish.
8Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the filled manicotti shells, making sure to cover them completely.
9Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
10Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
11Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
12Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
13This allows the filling to set slightly for easier serving.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish
Large bowl
Spoon or piping bag
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of the ricotta with 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. You can also add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled Italian sausage to the filling for a heartier dish.

Watch Video Of How Easy Cheese Manicotti Works

For any occasion or gathering, this easy cheese manicotti recipe is always a good idea. It’s a versatile dish that works well for family gatherings or just as a quick weeknight dinner.

With its tender pasta, rich cheese filling, and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to impress your loved ones. Plus, with its ease of preparation and storage options, you can enjoy this delicious meal without any hassle.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese Manicotti

Q: What type of pasta is best for manicotti?

A: For manicotti, you’ll want to use a type of pasta that’s specifically designed for stuffing, such as manicotti shells or conchiglie shells.

Q: Can I use low-fat cheese instead of ricotta?

A: While you can use low-fat cheese as a substitute, keep in mind that it may not have the same rich flavor and texture as ricotta cheese.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

A: To prevent the pasta from sticking together, make sure to cook it al dente before filling and baking it.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives such as rice-based or quinoa-based pasta.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover manicotti?

A: To store leftover manicotti, refrigerate it within two hours of cooking and consume within three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

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