Manicotti With Cheese Filling
Manicotti with cheese filling is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta tubes stuffed with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection with a flavorful sauce, it's ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate hearty, cheesy pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook manicotti according to package directions. Drain and cool on wax paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
- Combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to make the cheese filling.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the cooked manicotti shells.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To prevent the manicotti from tearing, handle them gently while cooking. If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese can be a great substitute. For a twist, consider adding spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese filling for extra flavor. Make sure to use fresh parsley for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian Tomato Dip can complement the flavors beautifully. For a special touch, pair it with a glass of red wine, like Chianti, to enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the manicotti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti With Cheese Filling contains roughly 223 calories, with 19g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1377mg per serving (60% 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 cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese filling a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just fill the manicotti shells right before baking to ensure they stay fresh and do not dry out.
Can I freeze the manicotti before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the manicotti in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding additional time to ensure they're heated through.
What type of sauce should I use?
A classic marinara or a homemade tomato sauce works well with cheese-filled manicotti. For a creamier option, consider a béchamel sauce or even an Easy Fettuccine Alfredo for a rich pairing. Experiment to find your favorite sauce!
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).