Cheesy Manicotti
Cheesy Manicotti features tender pasta shells filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with parsley and pepper. Baked with a hearty spaghetti sauce, it offers a comforting, cheesy flavor perfect for family dinners or special occasions that appreciate classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients (cheeses, eggs, parsley, pepper) together and fill each manicotti shell with about 2 tablespoons of the mixture.
- Place filled shells in a baking dish and cover with 2 cups of spaghetti sauce.
- Sprinkle the filled shells with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, approximately 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra creamy filling, consider adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese mixture. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of homemade. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor profile. To prevent the shells from breaking while filling, boil them just until al dente.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cheesy manicotti with a side salad and some crusty Italian bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Joe's Spaghetti Sauce to enhance the flavor. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cheesy manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Manicotti contains roughly 894 calories, with 56g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (124% of the Daily Value), protein (113% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1602mg per serving (70% 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 filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to fill the manicotti shells. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake them.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese blended until smooth or even mascarpone for a richer flavor. Just ensure the consistency is similar for the best results.
Can I freeze cheesy manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked manicotti. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the original baking instructions.
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).