Manicotti With Cheese Stuffing
Creamy cheese-stuffed manicotti baked in rich spaghetti sauce, offering a comforting Italian classic with melty mozzarella and Parmesan flavors, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti according to directions for parboiling.
- Mix together the remaining cheese ingredients: ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Stuff the cooked manicotti tubes with the cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed manicotti in a baking dish with spaghetti sauce.
- Bake until bubbly and cheese is golden, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the homemade sauce with a store-bought marinara. For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. To prevent the manicotti from breaking while stuffing, try using a piping bag for easier filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a fresh side salad dressed with Creamy Italian-Style Salad Dressing for a vibrant meal. Pair it with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving alongside Italian Vegetable Medley for added color and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti With Cheese Stuffing contains roughly 525 calories, with 34g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (72% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 801mg per serving (35% 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 manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti a day in advance. After stuffing, cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow extra cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese can be used in a pinch. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Alternatively, you can use cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk for a different but creamy filling.
Can I freeze the stuffed manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked stuffed manicotti. Just layer them in a freezer-safe dish with sauce in between. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual.
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).