Cheese And Mushroom Manicotti
Cheese and mushroom manicotti offers a savory blend of cheeses, mushrooms, and olives, baked in rich tomato sauce—perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 lb chopped mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/2 oz) can sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 6 oz cottage cheese
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 4 cups spaghetti sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except manicotti and spaghetti sauce and set aside.
- Mix the spaghetti sauce with 1 cup of water. Place half in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Stuff the manicotti shells with the cheese and mushroom mixture and place them in the tomato sauce in the pan.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with grated cheese, and bake until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding ricotta cheese or using a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack. If you don't have manicotti, jumbo pasta shells can be a great substitute. To enhance flavor, sauté the mushrooms and onions before mixing them into the filling. You can also add spinach for a bit of color and nutrition. This dish aligns well with various vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese and mushroom manicotti with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a delightful dining experience. This dish also pairs beautifully with Gail'S Italian Macaroni Salad, creating a well-rounded Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the manicotti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Mushroom Manicotti contains roughly 1138 calories, with 40g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), protein (79% of the Daily Value), and calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1811mg per serving (79% 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 make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese and mushroom filling up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you're ready to assemble, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before stuffing the manicotti.
What can I use instead of spaghetti sauce?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute with marinara sauce or a homemade tomato sauce. Adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor profile of the dish, making it even more delicious.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).