Cheese Manicotti
Cheese manicotti is a comforting Italian dish featuring pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese, bathed in a rich tomato sauce infused with herbs. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it brings warmth and satisfaction to any table.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 12 manicotti shells ⓘ
- 12 oz. fresh Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. snipped parsley or 1 to 2 tsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1/3 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, cook onion and garlic in oil until tender but not browned.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, sugar, oregano, thyme, the first 1/4 teaspoon salt and bay leaf.
- Bring to boiling; simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the filling. If you don't have fresh Ricotta, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute, but drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a subtle heat to the sauce. You may also try using Italian Spaghetti Sauce for a different taste profile.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese manicotti pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a side dish, consider serving Italian Zucchini Casserole for a delightful vegetable addition. A light red wine, such as Chianti, complements the flavors of this dish well, enhancing the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Manicotti contains roughly 1153 calories, with 61g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (145% of the Daily Value), protein (123% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2070mg per serving (90% 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 cheese manicotti?
Yes, cheese manicotti can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble the manicotti and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, simply extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. If already baked, cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for the manicotti shells?
If you can't find manicotti shells, consider using cannelloni pasta or even lasagna sheets. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta alternatives available in stores. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This cheese manicotti recipe is already vegetarian, given that it features cheese and no meat products. To enhance the nutrition and flavor, you could add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling. This will not only add more texture but also increase the vegetable content in the dish.
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).