Meatless Manicotti
Creamy vegetarian manicotti baked with rich tomato sauce, cheesy filling, and fragrant herbs, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy hearty, meatless Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) package part-skim Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cloves or nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider mixing in some spinach or sautéed mushrooms. If you don’t have Ricotta, cottage cheese can be a fine substitute. You can also add grated Parmesan to the filling for extra flavor. If you prefer homemade sauce, try using a blend of fresh tomatoes and basil for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meatless Manicotti with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Italian Herbed Potatoes for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatless Manicotti contains roughly 540 calories, with 29g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 661mg per serving (29% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just make sure to assemble the manicotti and bake it on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
What can I substitute for the egg in the filling?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Alternatively, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a similar binding effect in your filling.
Can I freeze the manicotti before baking?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked manicotti. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).