Vegetarian Manicotti
Creamy vegetarian manicotti filled with ricotta and cottage cheese, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, perfect for a hearty, cheesy Italian meal that pleases vegetarians and pasta lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 4 large cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 5 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 head garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp sugar (optional) ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes (optional)
- 2 Tbsp sweet basil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- salt to taste
- 1 lb ricotta
- 3 to 4 boxes manicotti shells ⓘ
- 1 lb cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dried parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Romano ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Mozzarella ⓘ
- 3 eggs, beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until transparent.
- Add canned tomatoes, basil, sugar (optional), and salt; simmer for 3 to 4 hours.
- Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Mix ricotta, cottage cheese, dried parsley, Parmesan, Romano, and beaten eggs to prepare the filling.
- Stuff cooked manicotti shells with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish, arrange stuffed shells on top, then cover with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella over the assembled dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce during simmering. If you don't have all the cheeses on hand, you can substitute with additional ricotta or even cream cheese. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones, enhancing the overall taste. For ease, prepare the sauce a day ahead to deepen the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vegetarian manicotti with a side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread also complements this dish beautifully. For a complete Italian meal, pair it with Italian Lemon Cookies for dessert. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil to retain moisture and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Manicotti contains roughly 652 calories, with 14g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1431mg per serving (62% 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 filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese filling a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you're ready to assemble, simply stuff the shells and proceed with the recipe as directed. This makes meal prep easier and allows the flavors to meld.
What can I use instead of manicotti shells?
If you can't find manicotti shells, jumbo pasta shells or even lasagna noodles can work as alternatives. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you use, ensuring they are al dente before stuffing.
Is the sugar necessary in the tomato sauce?
The sugar is optional and primarily used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If your tomatoes are sweet enough or if you're using fresh tomatoes, you may omit it. Always taste the sauce to see if it needs adjustment before serving.
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).