Easy Manicotti With Cheese
Creamy cheese-stuffed manicotti baked in savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy hearty Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat spaghetti sauce and water in a saucepan to boiling; reduce heat and keep warm.
- Mix together Ricotta cheese, shredded Mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and salt.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into uncooked manicotti shells.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a baking dish and cover with the warm spaghetti sauce.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For easier stuffing, try using a pastry bag to fill the manicotti shells with the cheese mixture. If you want to lighten the dish, consider using low-fat Ricotta and Mozzarella cheeses. Fresh herbs like basil can be added for extra flavor. To save time, you can use store-bought spaghetti sauce or even opt for a homemade version from your favorite Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Manicotti pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Consider serving it alongside Zucchini Italian Style for a fresh and colorful accompaniment. For a more filling meal, you can add Herbed Cheese Tortellini to the table. Garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the manicotti in a baking dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Manicotti With Cheese contains roughly 431 calories, with 42g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (261% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 898mg per serving (39% 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 use cooked manicotti shells instead of uncooked?
Yes, you can use cooked manicotti shells, but you'll need to adjust the baking time. Since they are already cooked, bake them for about 20-25 minutes instead of 35-40 minutes, just until heated through and the cheese is melted.
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 cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk for a similar texture. Both options will still yield a delicious filling for the manicotti.
Can I freeze manicotti before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the manicotti and freeze them before baking. Just wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).