Cheese Manicotti
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheese Manicotti recipe, a perfect blend of rich, creamy cheeses, tender pasta shells, and savory marinara sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Each manicotti shell is generously filled with a luscious mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, elevated with fresh parsley and a hint of seasoning for a deliciously balanced flavor. Topped with even more melty cheese, this classic Italian dish is baked until golden and gooey, making it irresistible for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to prep in just 25 minutes and serving up to six, this baked cheese manicotti is a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that pairs beautifully with warm garlic bread and a crisp side salad. Perfect for pasta lovers, this recipe ensures a restaurant-quality dish right from your oven!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces manicotti pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 piece large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add manicotti pasta shells and cook for 6-7 minutes until slightly undercooked. They should be firm enough to hold their shape. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-combined to create the cheese filling.
Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Take care not to tear the pasta shells.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom.
Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce.
Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the filled pasta shells to ensure they are fully covered.
Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the marinara sauce to enhance the flavor and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Let the manicotti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
504 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.8 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 123 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1102 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.2 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 32.3 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 711 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 149 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
