Italian Sausage and Peppers Manicotti
Indulge in the rich, hearty flavors of Italian comfort food with this Italian Sausage and Peppers Manicotti recipe! Perfectly cooked manicotti shells are generously stuffed with a creamy ricotta mixture blended with savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic garlic. Smothered in marinara sauce and topped with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this baked pasta dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines the boldness of Italian seasoning with a comforting cheesy filling. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Manicotti shells
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium Green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
- 3 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stir the cooled sausage and pepper mixture into the cheese filling mixture.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff the cooked manicotti shells with the sausage and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the manicotti, ensuring all the shells are covered with sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan over the top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
844 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.5 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.1 g | 105% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 158 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 1400 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.2 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.7 g | ||
| Protein | 45.9 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 650 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 480 mg | 10% | |
*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.
