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The Manicotti

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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.

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.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/the-manicotti/