Easy Baked Manicotti

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Baked Manicotti is a comforting and delicious dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table. It’s not just tasty but also a great way to use simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal. The combination of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce makes this dish a favorite for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s relatively easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

How to Make Easy Baked Manicotti

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounce) box manicotti shells (about 14 shells)
• 32 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 32 oz marinara sauce (a good quality jarred sauce works perfectly)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish (optional))

Directions:

1. Prepare Pasta and Filling: Begin by cooking the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

2. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese filling and place them in the baking dish. Once all shells are filled and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

3. Bake and Serve: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Easy Baked Manicotti

Easy Baked Manicotti is best served warm, right from the oven. You can garnish it with fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor and color. Pair this dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

How to Store Easy Baked Manicotti

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the manicotti in the oven or microwave until heated through. If you want to freeze it, cover the dish tightly before freezing. It can be stored this way for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking!

Tips to Make Easy Baked Manicotti

• To make stuffing the shells easier, you can use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off to fill them.
• If you like your manicotti saucy, feel free to add more marinara sauce on top before baking.
• Experiment with different cheeses! You can mix in some ricotta with goat cheese or add some spinach for extra nutrition.

Variation

For a meatier version, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese filling. This adds a hearty element that many will love. Additionally, using different herbs or vegetables in the filling can give the dish a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to stuff the shells.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
While manicotti shells are traditional, you can also use large pasta shells or even lasagna noodles, but cooking times may vary.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Easy Baked Manicotti is a vegetarian dish since it is filled with cheese and herbs. Just be sure to check the ingredients in your marinara sauce to ensure it meets your dietary preferences.

Easy Baked Manicotti

A comforting and delicious pasta dish filled with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 32 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 1 8 ounce box manicotti shells (about 14 shells)
• 32 oz marinara sauce (a good quality jarred sauce works perfectly)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish) optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

Assembly

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese filling and place them in the baking dish.
4. Once all shells are filled and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Baking

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.