Manicotti Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Manicotti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring large pasta tubes stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep, this baked pasta recipe is hearty, cheesy, and satisfying with every bite.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

manicotti pasta tubesricotta cheeseeggmozzarella cheese (shredded)Parmesan cheese (grated)fresh parsley or basil (chopped)garlic powderonion powdersaltpeppermarinara sauceolive oil (for greasing the pan)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Cook manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente, then rinse with cold water and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Spoon the filling into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off.

Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.

Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.

Arrange filled manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings.Preparation time: 25 minutesCooking time: 35–40 minutesTotal time: 1 hour

Variations

Add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the ricotta filling.

Use a meat-based marinara sauce for extra protein.

Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Top with fresh basil or a drizzle of pesto before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through. Can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I make manicotti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What’s the best way to fill manicotti shells?

Using a piping bag or zip-top bag makes it easy and mess-free.

Can I use no-boil manicotti?

Yes, just be sure to add extra sauce and bake a bit longer, covered.

Is ricotta necessary?

It’s traditional, but you can use cottage cheese or a mixture with cream cheese.

Can I freeze manicotti?

Yes, freeze before or after baking. Cover tightly and reheat from frozen or thaw first.

What’s the difference between manicotti and cannelloni?

Manicotti are ridged pasta tubes, while cannelloni are smooth and often made from pasta sheets.

Can I add meat to the filling?

Yes, cooked ground beef or sausage mixes well with the cheese.

What kind of sauce works best?

Marinara is traditional, but a béchamel or pink sauce works too.

Do I need to cover the dish while baking?

Yes, cover for the first 25 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free manicotti shells or substitute with gluten-free lasagna sheets.

Conclusion

Manicotti is a rich, comforting baked pasta dish that delivers creamy filling, zesty sauce, and gooey cheese all in one bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping ahead for a special occasion, it’s a classic recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table every time.

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