Manicotti(Stuffed Shells)
Creamy stuffed shells filled with ricotta and mozzarella, topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection—an Italian classic perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil jumbo shells for 6 minutes and test for doneness.
- Do not overcook; drain and set aside.
- Mix ricotta cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper to make the filling.
- Spread spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
- Fill each shell halfway to three-quarters full with the cheese mixture and place in the prepared pan.
- Top the filled shells with additional spaghetti sauce and grated cheese.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the ricotta mixture. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own spaghetti sauce. To enhance flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the filling. For a healthier twist, substitute whole wheat jumbo shells.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, complement it with a slice of Winter Vegetable Parmesan or a light Tomato - Garlic Zucchini Bake. A glass of red wine also makes a lovely pairing.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Avoid overheating, as it can dry out the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti(Stuffed Shells) contains roughly 755 calories, with 22g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 883mg per serving (38% 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 freeze manicotti before baking?
Yes, you can freeze manicotti before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or mascarpone for a richer flavor. Cream cheese can also work well as a substitute, but it will alter the taste and texture slightly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This manicotti recipe is already vegetarian-friendly due to the cheese filling. To enhance it further, consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture. Browse more vegetarian recipes for inspiration on additional vegetable fillings.
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).