Manicotti Bake
A comforting baked manicotti dish filled with ricotta and mozzarella, topped with tomato sauce and basil, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil manicotti a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, egg, garlic, nutmeg, and sugar (if using).
- Stuff the mixture into the drained manicotti shells.
- Place the stuffed manicotti into a greased casserole dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the top and add more cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake until the cheese melts, about 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with basil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the ricotta mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made tomato sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish's flavor. For a twist, try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling. This recipe is versatile, allowing for substitutions to create variations like Stuffed Shell Macaroni.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti bake hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil for a burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of Great Italian Salad for a refreshing contrast. A slice of garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables complements the dish well, making it a complete meal. Don't forget to serve with extra marinara or a light drizzle of olive oil.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps retain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti Bake contains roughly 166 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% 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 the manicotti in advance. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese, blended until smooth, or even a mix of cream cheese and sour cream. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan ricotta made from blended tofu or cashews, which works great in this recipe.
Can I freeze manicotti bake?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the manicotti bake but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding time if still cold.
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).