The Best Cheese Manicotti
Indulge in pure comfort with *The Best Cheese Manicotti*, a classic baked pasta dish that’s irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Perfectly tender manicotti shells are generously filled with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, combined with fresh parsley and a hint of garlic for a flavorful filling. Smothered in rich marinara sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked to golden perfection, this dish is both hearty and elegant. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Serve this Italian-inspired favorite with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that will bring everyone to the table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Manicotti shells
- 16 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 3 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly incorporated.
Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Place the filled shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese for added richness.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3960 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 163.5 g | 210% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.9 g | 415% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 738 mg | 246% | |
| Sodium | 6771 mg | 294% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 419.5 g | 153% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.0 g | ||
| Protein | 214.2 g | 428% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 4569 mg | 351% | |
| Iron | 11.7 mg | 65% | |
| Potassium | 1148 mg | 24% | |
*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.
