Three Cheese Manicotti
Creamy three cheese manicotti features tender pasta filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, topped with flavorful tomato sauce—perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 small bay leaf ⓘ
- 8 manicotti shells ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese or creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup snipped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onion and garlic in hot oil in a 2-quart saucepan until tender.
- Add undrained chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to boiling and reduce heat.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until thickened.
- Remove from heat and discard bay leaf.
- Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions until tender.
- Drain shells and let cool slightly.
- Mix ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and half of the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Stuff the cooked manicotti shells with the cheese mixture.
- Spread some sauce in a baking dish and arrange stuffed shells on top.
- Pour remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat. You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option. If you're short on time, prepared marinara sauce can be used instead of making the sauce from scratch. This dish also pairs well with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti hot, garnished with additional parsley and grated Parmesan. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. For a complete Italian meal, consider serving with a slice of Frittata or a side of Pizzelles for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For a crisp top, uncover for the last 5 minutes of heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Cheese Manicotti contains roughly 1176 calories, with 46g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (311% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (158% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 726mg per serving (32% 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 manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare manicotti ahead of time. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the cheese if I want a dairy-free option?
For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cheese alternatives available in most grocery stores. Additionally, a mixture of blended tofu with nutritional yeast can mimic ricotta. Be sure to check the consistency as it may require adjustments in the recipe.
How do I know when the manicotti is done baking?
The manicotti is done when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
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).