Cheese And Mushroom Manicotti Or Shells
Cheese and Mushroom Manicotti features tender pasta shells filled with a savory cheese and vegetable mixture, baked in rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb shredded Mozzarella ⓘ
- 1/2 lb shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 lb chopped mushrooms
- 1 (2 1/4 oz) can chopped olives, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 4 cups prepared spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 packages manicotti shells ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine half of the Mozzarella with the Cheddar cheese, chopped mushrooms, drained olives, chopped onion, chopped celery, bread crumbs, beaten egg, milk, and chopped parsley in a bowl.
- Mix the prepared spaghetti sauce with water and pour half of this mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Stuff the manicotti shells with the cheese mixture and place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining Mozzarella cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic or spinach to the cheese mixture. You can substitute the sharp Cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a milder taste. If you're out of manicotti shells, large pasta shells work as a great alternative. To save time, use store-bought spaghetti sauce or try making a homemade version for more depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or grated Parmesan enhances the presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, particularly those featuring vegetables, making it a great option for a vegetarian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Mushroom Manicotti Or Shells contains roughly 1414 calories, with 42g protein, 210g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (104% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and protein (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2002mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the cheese and mushroom manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or panko can be used as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These alternatives will still help bind the filling without compromising the texture or flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the cheese filling. You can also use a spicy spaghetti sauce or serve with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer extra kick. Experimenting with spices can elevate the dish to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).