Tracy'S Manicotti
Creamy ricotta and mozzarella stuffed manicotti baked in savory spaghetti sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Stuff uncooked manicotti shells with the cheese mixture.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the prepared dish.
- Cover the shells with spaghetti sauce.
- Cover the pan completely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture. If you're short on time, you can also use store-bought marinara instead of spaghetti sauce. To prevent the manicotti from breaking, handle the shells gently and fill them with a piping bag for precision.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Crostini for an appetizer, making it perfect for family gatherings or any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tracy'S Manicotti contains roughly 251 calories, with 18g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value) and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 876mg 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 make the manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti and assemble everything the day before. Just cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese is a great substitute. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture. You could also try cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk for a creamier filling.
Is it possible to freeze the stuffed manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Just ensure they're well-covered to prevent freezer burn. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
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).