Grandma'S Baked Manicotti
Grandma's baked manicotti offers tender pasta shells filled with a rich cheese mixture, baked in flavorful tomato sauce—perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix eggs and chopped fresh parsley in a large bowl.
- Add salt, grated Parmesan cheese, Ricotta cheese, and diced onion; mix well.
- Stuff the uncooked manicotti shells with the cheese mixture.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour half of the tomato sauce into a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the manicotti.
- Cover and bake for about 20 minutes.
- Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over manicotti immediately before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of ricotta to the tomato sauce before layering. You can substitute fresh parsley with basil for a different flavor profile. If you don't have manicotti shells, use jumbo pasta shells instead, though cooking times may vary. To save time, prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until needed. This dish is a perfect companion to Italian recipes like Eggplant Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Baked Manicotti with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Kenny's Favorite Spaghetti Sauce for those who enjoy a robust tomato flavor. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the manicotti in a baking dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Baked Manicotti contains roughly 1183 calories, with 26g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1139mg per serving (50% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the manicotti and assemble it in the baking dish a day ahead. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's chilled.
What can I use if I can't find manicotti shells?
If manicotti shells are unavailable, jumbo pasta shells or even lasagna noodles cut into strips can work well. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different shapes may require varying times to cook and hold the filling.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but to enhance it, consider adding chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese mixture. This will not only add nutrition but also extra flavor, making it a delightful option for anyone looking for vegetarian recipes.
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).