The rich, velvety texture of three cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan which melds beautifully inside perfectly cooked manicotti shells. All of it is bathed in a generous helping of hearty marinara and baked until bubbling and golden. The result? A comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian classic that feels like a warm hug.
This manicotti dish is the epitome of cozy, home-cooked Italian fare. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s both simple to prepare and utterly satisfying. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, pair it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad, and you have a balanced, comforting meal that always wins.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (8-ounce) package manicotti pasta
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15 ounces ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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3 cups marinara sauce
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Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add manicotti and cook until al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Fill a piping bag or plastic bag with the tip cut off with the cheese mixture.
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Carefully stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the cheese filling.
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Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Arrange the filled manicotti over the sauce in a single layer.
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Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
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Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Baked Cheese Manicotti: The Comfort Classic You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Italian cuisine has a way of bringing warmth and comfort to any dining table, and Baked Cheese Manicotti is a shining example of this culinary magic. This dish is rich, indulgent, and utterly satisfying, with tender pasta tubes stuffed to the brim with a creamy, cheesy filling, all smothered in a vibrant marinara sauce and baked until hot and bubbling. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug from the inside outperfect for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or a casual gathering with friends.
At the heart of this recipe is simplicity. It uses basic, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. If you’re a fan of lasagna, stuffed shells, or any other baked pasta dish, manicotti is going to be right up your alley. Its appeal lies in its structure; the large pasta tubes are the ideal vessel for the creamy filling and baking it all in the oven allows the flavors to meld beautifully. As the cheese melts and mingles with the tangy marinara, you get a dish that’s hearty, creamy, and deeply flavorful.
Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this dish such a favorite in homes across the world and how you can make it a staple in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Manicotti Recipe
There’s a lot to love about Baked Cheese Manicotti. It’s not just the flavor (which is incredible) but also the versatility and ease that come with it. Here are some reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
1. Creamy, Cheesy Goodness
The filling is a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan each cheese adding its own unique flavor and texture. Ricotta brings the creaminess, mozzarella provides the melty pull, and Parmesan offers a salty, nutty depth. When combined with herbs and seasonings, it creates a filling that’s rich without being heavy.
2. Great for Make-Ahead Meals
One of the best things about manicotti is that it’s freezer friendly. You can prep the entire dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and then bake it when you’re ready. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or when you want to bring a homemade meal to a friend in need.
3. Perfect for Entertaining
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding a hungry family, manicotti is a dish that impresses. Its presentation is beautiful—golden melted cheese, vibrant red sauce, and flecks of green herbs make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
4. Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved
Picky eaters will love the cheesy pasta, and adults will appreciate the savory depth of flavor. Add a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a balanced meal that pleases every age group.
Ingredient Spotlight
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, and while they may seem simple, their combination creates something extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at the key components:
- Ricotta Cheese
This mild and creamy cheese is the base of the filling. It’s light in texture and perfectly absorbs the flavors of the herbs and seasonings. Whole milk ricotta works best, but you can also use part-skim for a lighter option.
- Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella adds that gooey, stringy texture that everyone craves in baked pasta. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and blends seamlessly with the ricotta for an ultra-satisfying bite.
- Parmesan Cheese
Aged Parmesan brings a slightly salty, umami-rich taste that balances the creaminess of the other cheeses. It also helps the filling hold together without being too dense.
- Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
Chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder infuse the cheese mixture with aromatic, herbaceous flavor. Feel free to experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Marinara Sauce
Use your favorite store-bought marinara or make your own from scratch. The sauce is more than just a topping; it cooks the pasta further in the oven and fuses with the cheese for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Tips for Success
Getting the perfect manicotti doesn’t require a culinary degree just a few handy tips and a little patience.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Manicotti should be cooked just until al dente. Overcooking can make them too soft, leading to tearing during the stuffing process. Boil them for a minute or two less than the package recommends since they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
Use a Piping Bag
Stuffing manicotti can be messy, especially if you’re trying to use a spoon. For best results, transfer the cheese mixture into a piping bag or a large resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off. It’s faster, cleaner, and fills the shells more evenly.
Cover Then Uncover
Bake your manicotti covered for most of the cooking time to prevent the cheese from drying out. Uncovering it for the last 10-15 minutes allows the cheese on top to get beautifully golden and slightly crispy.
Variations and Additions
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, there’s plenty of room to customize your manicotti:
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Spinach Ricotta Manicotti: Add sautéed spinach to the cheese mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
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Meaty Version: Mix in ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey for a heartier filling.
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Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or filling to give it a spicy kick.
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White Sauce Alternative: Substitute marinara with a béchamel or Alfredo sauce for a creamy, luxurious variation.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free manicotti pasta or large gluten-free lasagna sheets rolled into tubes.
What to Serve with Baked Cheese Manicotti
To round out your meal, consider adding one or more of the following:
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Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery garlic bread is the perfect complement to soak up extra sauce.
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Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the baked pasta.
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Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color and nutrition.
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Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti, Merlot, or a light Pinot Noir pair wonderfully with this classic Italian dish.
Make It a Celebration
Baked Cheese Manicotti is one of those dishes that turns an ordinary meal into a special occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a Sunday evening or as part of a holiday spread, it always feels like a treat. Its comforting aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes, and the satisfaction of pulling a bubbling, golden tray from the oven never gets old.
You can even turn this dish into a fun family activity. Let the kids help stuff the manicotti, sprinkle the cheese on top, or spread the sauce. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and build lasting memories around food.
Conclusion
Baked Cheese Manicotti is the kind of recipe that lives in the memory each bite layered with flavor, nostalgia, and love. It brings the essence of Italian comfort food straight to your table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is a delicious way to celebrate the joy of homemade meals.
From its rich filling to its golden, bubbly top, manicotti is more than just pasta, it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a dish you’ll return to again and again. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something warm, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying, look no further. Baked Cheese Manicotti is always a good idea.