Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with "The Best Italian Manicotti," a crowd-pleasing classic that's as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Tender manicotti shells are filled with a luxurious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, delicately seasoned with fresh parsley and oregano for an authentic touch. Smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella, this baked pasta dish is a hearty, cheesy masterpiece perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With just 25 minutes of prep and baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe is ideal for anyone craving a homemade Italian favorite that's guaranteed to impress.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and gently toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the filled shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure each is well coated.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover the 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 on top is melted and bubbly.
Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Calories |
3720 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 151.3 g | 194% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.5 g | 403% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 873 mg | 291% | |
| Sodium | 4698 mg | 204% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 394.1 g | 143% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.3 g | ||
| Protein | 210.1 g | 420% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 4429 mg | 341% | |
| Iron | 11.7 mg | 65% | |
| Potassium | 1163 mg | 25% | |
*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.