(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Manicotti pasta shells
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Eggs
Fresh parsley
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Marinara sauce
Olive oil
Optional additions:
Ground beef or Italian sausage
Spinach
Crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh basil
Directions
Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until slightly firm. Drain carefully and allow them to cool.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Transfer the cheese mixture into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the filled pasta shells.
Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake until heated through and bubbly.
Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown lightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese filling.
Mix spinach into the ricotta filling for added greens.
Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy version.
Add mushrooms or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes.
Use cottage cheese in place of ricotta if preferred.
Try a blend of Italian cheeses for richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and bake until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in short intervals.
Manicotti freezes very well. Assemble the dish before baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
FAQs
What is manicotti?
Manicotti is a large tube-shaped pasta traditionally stuffed with cheese or meat filling and baked with sauce.
Can I make manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Do I need to cook the manicotti shells first?
Most traditional manicotti shells benefit from partial cooking before filling, though some oven-ready varieties are available.
What cheeses are best for manicotti?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create the classic creamy filling.
Can I freeze manicotti?
Yes, manicotti freezes very well before or after baking.
How do I keep manicotti shells from tearing?
Cook them just until slightly firm and handle gently while stuffing.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Absolutely. Ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken are great additions.
What sauce works best with manicotti?
Classic marinara sauce is the most popular, but Alfredo or meat sauce also work well.
Can I use spinach in the filling?
Yes, spinach pairs beautifully with the cheese filling.
How long does manicotti last in the refrigerator?
It stays fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored.
Conclusion
Manicotti is a comforting and satisfying baked pasta dish that combines tender pasta, creamy cheese filling, and rich marinara sauce into a meal everyone will love. Perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners, this classic recipe is easy to customize and even better as leftovers. With its hearty flavor and crowd-pleasing appeal, manicotti is a timeless favorite worth making again and again.
This Manicotti recipe is a classic Italian-American baked pasta dish filled with creamy ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then topped with rich marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or special gatherings, this comforting manicotti recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Dinner / Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian-Inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
12 manicotti pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Additions
Cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Chopped spinach
Crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh basil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until slightly firm (al dente). Drain carefully and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Transfer the cheese filling into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish in a single layer.
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the filled manicotti shells.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
Cook the manicotti shells just until slightly firm to prevent tearing during filling.Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture.Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta if desired.Oven-ready manicotti shells may also be used for convenience.Manicotti freezes beautifully before or after baking for easy meal prep.
