Stuffed Manicotti Shells
Creamy and savory stuffed manicotti shells are baked to perfection, filled with a blend of cottage cheese, eggs, and Parmesan, then topped with mozzarella and rich spaghetti sauce. This comforting dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful combination of cheesy flavors and tender pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti shells in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Mix cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff the cheese mixture into the cooked manicotti shells.
- Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and pour spaghetti sauce over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture. If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta is a great substitute. Adjust the garlic powder according to your taste, and feel free to mix in some sautéed spinach to boost nutrition and flavor. This dish can also be made vegetarian by using a meatless spaghetti sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed manicotti with a side salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread is also a delicious accompaniment that pairs beautifully with this dish. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor and presentation. For a hearty Italian dinner, follow with a slice of Italian Cheese Pie (Pastera) for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Manicotti Shells contains roughly 364 calories, with 25g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value) and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% 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
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the cheese filling. You can also use a spicy spaghetti sauce or add some black pepper to the cheese mixture for an extra kick.
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).