Manicotti With Three Cheeses
Creamy three-cheese manicotti baked with marinara sauce offers a comforting Italian classic, perfect for family dinners or special occasions with rich flavors and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook manicotti shells in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water; drain again.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the soft cream cheese with onions and chives until well combined.
- Stuff each manicotti shell with the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the cream cheese mixture. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce or even substitute with a homemade version. Additionally, feel free to mix in other cheeses like ricotta or cheddar for a unique twist. This dish is a great way to use up leftover cheeses from other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the marinara sauce. For a fresh touch, consider a simple basil-tomato pie as a side. Leftovers can be enjoyed for lunch the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover manicotti 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 heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, but the oven method helps retain the cheese's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti With Three Cheeses contains roughly 1265 calories, with 66g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (132% of the Daily Value), calcium (119% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2319mg per serving (101% 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 prepare the manicotti in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti in advance. Stuff the shells and assemble the dish, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with ricotta cheese mixed with a bit of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Alternatively, cottage cheese can also work, but be sure to blend it well to achieve a smooth texture.
Can I freeze manicotti after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked manicotti. Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until 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).