Easy Manicotti
Creamy ricotta and mozzarella stuffed manicotti baked in flavorful Italian sauce, topped with Parmesan and extra cheese for a comforting, cheesy family favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine Ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, and parsley flakes; mix well.
- Stuff the cheese mixture into uncooked manicotti shells.
- Lightly cover the bottom of a large rectangular baking pan with a portion of the Italian sauce.
- Line the stuffed shells in the pan over the sauce.
- Cover the shells generously with the remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Top heavily with remaining Mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter filling, consider mixing in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms. You can substitute cottage cheese for Ricotta for a different texture. If you don’t have manicotti shells, stuffed shells or even lasagna noodles can work. To save time, use store-bought Italian sauce or try making your own with crushed tomatoes and herbs for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian Vegetable Saute pairs beautifully as a side dish, adding freshness to the meal. For a more hearty option, consider serving with a cup of Minestrone Milan Style. A sprinkle of fresh basil or additional Parmesan on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Manicotti contains roughly 285 calories, with 23g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% 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 manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare manicotti a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have Ricotta, cottage cheese is a great alternative, offering a similar texture. You could also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk for a creamier filling. Just season accordingly to ensure the flavor remains balanced.
Can I freeze manicotti?
Absolutely! Assemble the manicotti, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding extra baking time 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).