Easy Cheesy Manicotti Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Pasta nights just got a delicious upgrade with this mouthwatering cheesy manicotti recipe that promises pure comfort.

These tender pasta tubes stuffed with creamy cheese blend perfectly with rich marinara sauce.

Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Classic Italian ingredients come together in a simple yet elegant dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan create a luxurious filling that melts beautifully inside delicate pasta shells.

The combination of herbs and cheese makes this manicotti a crowd-pleasing meal that transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible pasta masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Easy Cheesy Manicotti Always Delivers Comfort

• Dive into a classic Italian dish that wraps cheesy goodness in tender pasta tubes, perfect for satisfying serious comfort food cravings.
• Adjust the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding herbs, or mixing in vegetables to match your family's taste preferences without complicated steps.
• Create a crowd-pleasing dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to bring everyone together around the dinner table with minimal kitchen stress.
• Prepare components ahead of time or freeze assembled manicotti for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves precious weeknight cooking energy.

Every Ingredient for Cheesy Manicotti Success

• Manicotti Noodles: Classic Italian pasta tubes perfect for stuffing with cheese mixture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a smooth and rich base for the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Classic Italian cheeses that add melty texture and sharp flavor to the dish.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cheese mixture together.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green color and light herbal flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the cheese mixture.

• Marinara Sauce: Traditional Italian tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the manicotti.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal from the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish while baking, ensuring even cooking.

• Additional Mozzarella Cheese: Optional topping for extra cheesy goodness.
• Additional Parsley: Fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and freshness.

Tools You Need to Roll and Fill Manicotti

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing cheese ingredients smoothly.
• Spoon or pastry bag: Perfect for filling manicotti with cheese mixture.
• 9×13 baking dish: Ideal for layering and baking the manicotti.
• Aluminum foil: Used to cover dish during initial baking.
• Parchment paper: Helps cool and dry manicotti noodles after cooking.
• Cooking spray: Prevents manicotti from sticking to baking dish.

Manicotti Prep Steps for Creamy Pasta Nights

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook manicotti in salted water according to package directions.

Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta and spread them out on parchment paper to cool and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking oil.

Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish to create a delicious base.

Step 3: Create Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Beaten eggs
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Stuff Pasta Shells

Get creative with filling the manicotti!

Use a spoon, your fingers, or a pastry bag to gently stuff the cheese mixture into the cooled pasta tubes.

Pro tip: start filling from one end, pack it full, then flip and fill the other side to ensure each shell is completely loaded with cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish

Carefully place the filled manicotti in a single layer on top of the sauce in the prepared baking dish.

Make sure they’re nestled comfortably.

Once all shells are in place, generously cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Final Cheese Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle an extra layer of mozzarella cheese on top if desired.

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly topping.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the manicotti out of the oven and let it rest for a moment.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and warm.

Tips for Cheesy, Perfect Manicotti Every Time

• Lay cooked manicotti on parchment paper and separate each noodle to prevent them from clumping together or tearing when filling.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more evenly blended cheese mixture that spreads easily into pasta tubes.
• Use a piping bag or plastic zip-lock bag with corner snipped off for precise, clean filling of manicotti without spilling cheese mixture.
• Ensure bottom of baking dish has thin sauce layer to prevent pasta from sticking and add extra flavor during baking.
• Watch carefully during final uncovered baking stage to achieve golden, bubbly cheese topping without burning.

Manicotti Recipe Variations for Pasta Lovers

• Gluten-Free Manicotti: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free manicotti shells or use zucchini ribbons as a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute ricotta with tofu or plant-based ricotta and add roasted vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Mix in red pepper flakes, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use cashew cream instead of ricotta, swap mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy taste.

Creative Ways to Plate Cheesy Manicotti

• Rustic Italian Feast: Pair the manicotti with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that brings fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Comforting Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and add extra texture to the dinner.
• Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the tomato sauce and creamy cheese flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Family-Style Presentation: Arrange manicotti on a large platter with extra fresh parsley sprinkled on top, creating an inviting centerpiece that encourages shared, relaxed dining.

Storing Leftover Manicotti for Weeknights

• Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or use a blend of cheeses like provolone and fontina for a unique flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the manicotti from tearing?

Carefully cook the pasta al dente and handle gently. If the noodles are fragile, try using no-boil manicotti shells or large pasta shells as an alternative.

• Is there a trick to filling the manicotti easily?

Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off for precise filling. Alternatively, use your fingers to gently push the cheese mixture into both ends of the pasta.