Easy Cheesy Manicotti
Creamy and cheesy manicotti baked to perfection, featuring ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses complemented by a rich spaghetti sauce, ideal for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions; drain and lay flat on foil to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta or cottage cheese, diced mozzarella, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, sugar, and pepper.
- Stuff the cooled manicotti shells with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce in a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish over the sauce.
- Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some garlic or spinach to the cheese mixture. You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you don't have manicotti shells, jumbo pasta shells are a suitable alternative. To enhance the dish, top with fresh basil before serving or incorporate ingredients from other Italian recipes like roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Cheesy Manicotti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Fettucine Alfredo for a delightful family dinner. For a heartier option, consider adding roasted vegetables or a meat sauce to the dish to enhance flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be mindful of not overcooking the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cheesy Manicotti contains roughly 322 calories, with 17g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1650mg per serving (72% 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 manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble the manicotti and cover it with sauce, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What can I substitute for the cheeses?
If you're looking for dairy-free options, try using cashew cheese or a tofu-based ricotta. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella. Just ensure the consistency works for stuffing.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).