Sausage Manicotti
Creamy, cheesy sausage manicotti wrapped in tender noodles, baked with rich sauce and melted cheese—perfect for comforting family dinners and Italian food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together half of the parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, half of the grated mozzarella, parsley, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Put some spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the pan.
- Cut lasagna noodles in half crosswise.
- Place about a tablespoon of ricotta mixture and some sausage on each noodle, then roll up with the seam side down in the pan.
- Repeat with all ingredients, then cover generously with remaining sauce and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage and part-skim ricotta. You can also substitute the lasagna noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free options. If you want a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the filling. To save time, use pre-cooked sausage or leftovers from another dish like Italian Sausage And Zucchini Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sausage Manicotti with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of additional parsley or grated Parmesan on top enhances presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes that feature marinara sauce, making it a great choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Manicotti contains roughly 975 calories, with 38g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (180% of the Daily Value), calcium (152% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (122% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1457mg per serving (63% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a different texture. For dairy-free options, consider using silken tofu blended until smooth.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Absolutely! Assemble the manicotti and freeze it before baking. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a bit of time if still cold.
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).