Manicotti Recipe | Easy Cheese Manicotti Bake

If you love creamy, cheesy, and comforting Italian dishes, then this Cheese Manicotti is for you! Tender pasta shells are stuffed with a rich ricotta and mozzarella filling, covered in savory marinara sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. This easy baked manicotti recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Why You'll Love This Perfect Pasta Dish

• Easy to Make. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
• Super Cheesy. Loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s a cheese lover’s dream!
• Make-Ahead Friendly. Perfect for meal prep or freezer-friendly for a stress-free dinner.
• Classic Italian Comfort Food. A warm, baked dish that’s always a family favorite!

This Cheese Manicotti is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress!

What Does Manicotti Taste Like?

Manicotti is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring large, tube-shaped pasta shells stuffed with a cheese or meat filling, covered in marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly. The name "manicotti" translates to "little sleeves" in Italian, referring to the hollow pasta shells that hold the filling.

This cheese-filled version is a meatless classic that's perfect for vegetarians or anyone who loves an ultra-cheesy, comforting dish!

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Filling

• Ricotta Cheese– The creamy, rich base of the filling, providing a smooth texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the tanginess of the marinara sauce.
• Spinach- Adds flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese– Gives the filling extra gooeyness and ensures a melty, stretchy texture when baked. It also enhances the top layer, creating a golden, bubbly finish.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese– Adds a nutty, salty depth to the cheese mixture, intensifying the overall flavor and balancing the richness of the ricotta.
• Egg– Acts as a binding agent, helping hold the cheese mixture together and giving it structure so it doesn’t ooze out when baked.
• Garlic Powder– Enhances the filling with a savory depth and a hint of garlicky goodness, complementing the cheese and tomato flavors.
• Italian Seasoning– A fragrant blend of basil, oregano, and thyme, bringing authentic Italian flavor to the cheese filling.
• Salt– Enhances the flavors of the cheeses, making the filling more flavorful and well-balanced.
• Black Pepper– Adds a gentle warmth and slight spiciness, rounding out the flavors of the cheese mixture.

Assembly

• Manicotti Shells– Large, tube-shaped pasta shells that hold the cheese filling. Cooking them al dente ensures they maintain their shape and don’t become too soft when baked.
• Marinara Sauce – A rich, tomato-based sauce that coats the manicotti, infusing the dish with savory, slightly tangy flavors. It also keeps the pasta moist during baking.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (for topping)– Sprinkled on top to create a bubbly, golden layer that makes the dish extra cheesy and indulgent.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley– Adds a pop of freshness and color, balancing the richness of the dish with a light, herby finish.

The ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan form a rich, cheesy filling, perfectly complemented by aromatic seasonings. The manicotti shells hold the filling while being enveloped in marinara sauce and baked with extra mozzarella, resulting in a gooey, cheesy, and flavorful Italian dish. Garnishing with fresh basil or parsley adds the final touch, making each bite deliciously balanced!

How To Make Cheese Manicotti

1. Cook the Manicotti Shells. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Fill the Manicotti Shells. Transfer the cheese mixture to a large piping bag or zip-top bag. Cut the tip and carefully pipe the filling into each manicotti shell. Alternatively, use a spoon to stuff the shells gently.
4. Assemble the Dish. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve. Let the manicotti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness. Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal!

Tips And Tricks

Want to make perfectly cheesy, flavorful, and delicious Cheese Manicotti every time? Follow these expert tips to ensure your manicotti turns out just right:

• Cook the pasta slightly underdone. It will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy pasta.
• Use a piping bag for easy filling. A zip-top bag works too; just snip the corner!
• Don’t overfill the shells. Leave a little room so the cheese doesn’t ooze out while baking.
• Cover while baking. Keeps the pasta moist and prevents the cheese from over-browning.
• Let it rest before serving. This allows the cheese to set for easier slicing.

Variations

Looking to add a twist to your classic Cheese Manicotti? Whether you want to incorporate more veggies, extra protein, or different sauces, these creative variations will take your baked manicotti to the next level:

• Spinach and Cheese- Add 1 cup of sautéed spinach to the cheese mixture for a nutritious boost.
• Meat Lover’s- Mix in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese filling.
• Alfredo- Swap marinara for creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich, indulgent twist.
• Mushroom and Ricotta- Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free- Use gluten-free pasta shells for a celiac-friendly option.

What To Eat With Manicotti

Manicotti is a rich, cheesy, and comforting Italian dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, salads, breads, and beverages. Whether you're serving it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, here are the best accompaniments to complete your meal:

• Garlic Bread– A crispy, buttery side that’s perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Caesar Salad– A fresh and crunchy contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables– Serve with roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers.
• Red Wine– A glass of Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with this Italian dish.

How Long Does It Last?

Cheese Manicotti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container. To maintain the best texture, let it cool completely before storing it to prevent excess moisture buildup.

When reheating, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it from drying out.

Can You Freeze It?

If you want to store it for longer, unbaked manicotti can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake—cover tightly with foil and freeze.

When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes for a bubbly, golden top.

More Comforting Pasta Dishes

• Shrimp Pasta
• Chicken Penne Pasta
• Haluski
• Baked Feta Pasta
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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