Simple Manicotti
Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade Italian cuisine with this Simple Manicotti recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender manicotti shells are stuffed with a rich, creamy filling of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, then topped with savory marinara and gooey melted mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy baked pasta dish. With just 25 minutes of prep time, this recipe combines ease with elegance, offering all the satisfaction of a classic Italian favorite without the fuss. Serve this dish piping hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the manicotti shells in a large pot of boiling, salted water for 6-7 minutes, or until they are slightly undercooked. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, eggs, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Be gentle to avoid tearing the shells.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, ensuring the shells are fully covered to prevent drying out during baking.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the manicotti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3709 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.7 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 71.3 g | 356% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 834 mg | 278% | |
| Sodium | 4596 mg | 200% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 419.8 g | 153% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.6 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.9 g | ||
| Protein | 193.5 g | 387% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 3909 mg | 301% | |
| Iron | 12.6 mg | 70% | |
| Potassium | 1234 mg | 26% | |
*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.
