Manicotti With Cheese
Creamy cheese-stuffed manicotti baked with rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering comforting flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook manicotti or large shells and drain.
- Cool in a single layer.
- Combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper to make the filling.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the cooked manicotti.
- Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer on the sauce.
- If large shells are used, place them open side down.
- Cover with remaining spaghetti sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spinach or other vegetables to the cheese filling. If you're short on ricotta, you can substitute part of it with cottage cheese for a lighter texture. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid overcooking during baking. For an Italian twist, try seasoning the filling with Italian herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your manicotti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Fettucine Florentine or Ham-Stuffed Manicotti. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top before serving adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti With Cheese contains roughly 525 calories, with 45g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (146% of the Daily Value), calcium (120% of the Daily Value), and iron (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1102mg per serving (48% 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 filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the manicotti. This can save time on busy nights and allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
What kind of sauce should I use?
A classic marinara or spaghetti sauce works best for this recipe. You can also use a homemade sauce for a fresher taste. To add depth, consider incorporating sautéed onions or mushrooms into the sauce.
Can I freeze manicotti after baking?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the manicotti to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it's heated through.
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).