Jump to Recipe Print RecipeStanding in my kitchen, I can practically taste the comfort of a classic manicotti—its creamy, cheesy filling nestled in tender pasta tubes and swimming in rich marinara sauce. This hearty dish embodies everything I love about Italian cooking: it’s both satisfying and family-friendly, perfect for gathering everyone around the table. What’s even better? This manicotti recipe can be made in advance, making it a dream for busy weeknights or those delightful meal prep sessions. You can truly customize it to suit your tastes, whether you’re sticking to a vegetarian option or adding in some savory Italian sausage for an extra kick. Ready to dive into this cheesy delight? Let’s bring that cozy Italian kitchen feel right into your home! Why Is Manicotti So Irresistible? Comforting, Creamy Goodness: Each bite of this manicotti delivers a mouthful of creamy ricotta, perfectly complemented by marinara sauce. Family-Friendly Fare: It’s a crowd-pleaser! Kids and adults alike will enjoy this savory, cheesy dish. Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Versatile Options: Add spinach for a nutritious twist or ground sausage for a hearty alternative—make it your own! Easily Scalable: Whether cooking for two or twenty, this recipe can easily be adjusted to fit your needs. Treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal that feels as good as it tastes! Consider pairing your manicotti with a fresh cucumber tomato salad for a balanced Italian feast. Manicotti Ingredients Classic Cheesy Manicotti Made Easy For the Manicotti Manicotti Shells – Tube-like noodles perfect for stuffing; find them in the dry pasta aisle. Eggs – Act as a binding agent in the filling, giving it a lovely texture. For the Cheese Filling Ricotta Cheese – Provides creaminess and structure; you can substitute with cottage cheese if needed. Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully and enhances flavor; use whole milk mozzarella from the block for the best results. Parmesan Cheese – Adds a rich, nutty flavor; freshly grated is ideal for taste. Basil – Offers aromatic notes; fresh is preferred for a vibrant flavor boost. For the Sauce Marinara Sauce – The key element; use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra love. Italian Seasoning – Enhances the flavor profile; substitute with a mix of dried basil, thyme, oregano, and marjoram if needed. Seasoning Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning both the filling and sauce, balancing the flavors perfectly. With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to whip up an irresistible classic cheesy manicotti that not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms the heart—definitely a dish everyone will gather around to enjoy! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic Cheesy Manicotti Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the manicotti shells. Cook them until they are al dente, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the shells and let them cool for 10 minutes; this will prevent burns when you fill them. Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling While the pasta is cooling, grab a mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, 1 cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of parmesan, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy, creating a delightful filling for your manicotti. Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or olive oil. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish. This layer will help prevent the pasta from sticking and add flavor to the base of your classic cheesy manicotti. Step 4: Stuff the Manicotti Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Make sure each tube is packed well for the best flavor. Place the filled shells in the greased baking dish, aligning them in a single layer. Step 5: Add the Remaining Sauce Once the manicotti is arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well-covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top, creating a cheesy crust that will melt and bubble beautifully during baking. Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, then switch to broil for an additional 1-3 minutes to achieve a nice, crispy finish on top. Step 7: Garnish and Serve Once the manicotti is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a touch of color and flavor, and enjoy your classic cheesy manicotti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian meal experience. Manicotti Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine as you personalize your manicotti experience with these exciting twists! Spinach Boost: Add cooked, chopped spinach to the filling for a nutrient-packed option; it pairs beautifully with the creamy cheeses. Italian Sausage: Brown some Italian sausage and mix it into the cheese filling for a heartier dish full of savory flavor; your family will love this meaty twist! Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb version, use zucchini noodles instead of traditional manicotti shells; simply layer the filling and sauce like a lasagna. Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for some heat; it’s an easy way to elevate your dish’s flavor profile. Herb Swap: Substitute fresh basil with fresh parsley or sautéed garlic; this gives the dish a fresh and fragrant lift. Cheese Variety: Incorporate a mix of cheeses, such as feta or gouda, along with the ricotta for extra depth of flavor that will keep everyone guessing their favorite. Meat Lover’s Delight: Combine different types of meats, like ground beef or chicken, into the filling for a delectable mixed meat version that appeals to all tastes. Remember, experimentation is the name of the game! Whether you’re craving a veggie-packed meal or a meaty indulgence, there’s a fun variation waiting for you to discover. For a delightful side, consider pairing your manicotti with a fresh cucumber tomato salad to round out your Italian feast! Make Ahead Options These Classic Cheesy Manicotti are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, just make sure to keep the sauce topping over the manicotti to maintain moisture. Alternatively, prepare and freeze the unbaked manicotti for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as instructed, ensuring you check for a bubbly, golden top. With these make-ahead options, you can enjoy your delicious manicotti on even the busiest weeknights! How to Store and Freeze Manicotti Fridge: Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s well-sealed to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Freezer: If you want to freeze manicotti, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat frozen manicotti, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until heated through, or until the cheese is bubbly again. Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare manicotti in advance and freeze it unbaked for a quick weeknight meal. Just adjust baking time if starting from frozen. Expert Tips for Making Manicotti Perfect Pasta: Cook manicotti shells until al dente to prevent them from breaking during filling. They’ll soften more while baking. Filling Technique: Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut for effortless filling, ensuring each shell is packed for optimal flavor. Marinara Matters: For richer taste, use homemade marinara sauce if you have time, or enhance store-bought sauce with fresh herbs and spices. Cheese Options: Feel free to mix cheeses! Adding a bit of goat cheese brings slight tanginess that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of ricotta. Avoiding Soggy Bottoms: Place marinara sauce only on top of the manicotti before baking to maintain a slight crispness at the base. Make Ahead: Assemble manicotti ahead of time and refrigerate it, letting the flavors meld even more, then bake when ready to serve. What to Serve with Classic Cheesy Manicotti? Elevate your meal with delightful pairings that enhance the comforting flavors of your cheesy manicotti. Garlic Bread: Crisp and buttery, this classic side adds a satisfying crunch to your meal while soaking up delicious marinara sauce. Cucumber Tomato Salad: A fresh medley of crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes offers a light, refreshing balance to rich, cheesy manicotti. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add depth and earthy flavors that beautifully contrast the creamy filling. Homemade Tiramisu: Why not end on a sweet note? This classic Italian dessert is creamy, coffee-infused, and the perfect finish for your dinner. Italian Chianti: This robust wine complements the tomato sauce beautifully while cutting through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced dining experience. Antipasto Platter: A colorful array of olives, cured meats, and cheeses adds a savory start to your meal, enhancing the Italian vibe. Spinach and Strawberry Salad: The sweetness of strawberries mixed with tangy dressing and fresh spinach offers a delightful contrast to the heaviness of your main dish. Lemon Sorbet: A zesty palate-cleanser that refreshes the senses between bites of cheesy goodness, making it a wonderful light dessert choice. Stuffed Peppers: These vibrant, flavorful bites can be made with a rice or quinoa mixture that aligns with the comforting Italian theme while adding texture. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your spread. Manicotti Recipe FAQs How do I select the best manicotti shells? Look for manicotti shells that are intact, without any cracks or breaks. Choose ones that are firm and have a uniform size to ensure even cooking. I often find that brands with a slightly thicker shell hold up better when stuffed and baked, preventing them from falling apart. What’s the best way to store leftover manicotti? Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s fully cooled down before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make the filling soggy. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Can I freeze my manicotti for later? Absolutely! To freeze manicotti, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual. What should I do if my manicotti shells break during cooking? First, don’t panic! If a few shells break, simply fill the broken pieces as you would whole shells and place them in the baking dish. If you’ve cooked extra shells (a great idea!), you can use those to replace any breaks. It’s all about creative solutions in the kitchen! Can I make manicotti vegetarian-friendly? Yes, definitely! This classic manicotti recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can make it vegetarian by simply omitting meat and maybe adding some cooked spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling for extra flavor and nutrition. It’s just as delicious without meat! Irresistible Cheesy Manicotti for Cozy Family Meals No ratings yet This irresistible manicotti boasts a creamy, cheesy filling and rich marinara sauce, perfect for family gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Manicotti12 pieces Manicotti Shells Tube-like noodles2 large Eggs Binding agent for fillingFor the Cheese Filling15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Creamy filling1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Whole milk, grated½ cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated preferred¼ cup Basil Fresh, choppedFor the Sauce2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Mix of dried herbsSeasoning1 teaspoon Salt To taste½ teaspoon Pepper To taste Equipment 9x13-inch baking dishMixing Bowlpiping bag Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Cheesy ManicottiPreheat oven to 350°F. Boil salted water and cook manicotti until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain and cool for 10 minutes.Mix ricotta, eggs, mozzarella, parmesan, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture and place in the baking dish.Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.Bake for 40 minutes. Broil for an additional 1-3 minutes for a crispy finish.Let the manicotti cool for 5-10 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg NotesFeel free to customize with spinach or sausage for different flavors. Ideal paired with a salad or garlic bread. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
