Ultimate Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bubbling, cheesy, saucy tray of stuffed manicotti. This classic Italian-American dish brings together tender pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, all blanketed in rich marinara and baked until golden and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a make-ahead meal, or simply craving hearty comfort food, this stuffed manicotti recipe is a winner every time.

Originating from the word manicotto, meaning “little sleeve” in Italian, manicotti pasta is perfectly designed to be filled with a luscious, cheesy mixture. When baked with love and plenty of sauce, the result is an unforgettable meal that brings everyone to the table with joy.

In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the ultimate stuffed manicotti recipe, along with helpful variations, tips, and serving ideas to make this dish uniquely yours.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy Perfection: Each bite bursts with a trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when you’re ready.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike – perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze for later.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the filling with meat, spinach, or herbs for different flavors.

🧀 What You’ll Need to Make Stuffed Manicotti ?

Here’s a detailed look at the essential ingredients for this stuffed manicotti recipe:

For the Cheese Filling:

• Ricotta cheese (15 oz) – Full-fat for best texture and flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded) – Divided for filling and topping.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated) – Adds a sharp, nutty richness.
• Large egg (1) – Helps bind the cheese filling.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Adds aromatic flavor.
• Salt (½ tsp) and black pepper (¼ tsp) – Enhances the overall taste.
• Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – Optional, for brightness and color.

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• Manicotti pasta shells (1 box, about 14 shells) – Cooked al dente and cooled.
• Marinara sauce (4 cups) – Homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp) – For greasing the baking dish.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Stuffed Manicotti Step-by-Step Directions ?

Here’s a simple, step-by-step process to create the best stuffed manicotti at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook until just al dente, usually about 6 minutes. Drain and lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1½ cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off. Carefully pipe the filling into each manicotti shell. You can also use a small spoon if preferred, though piping tends to be neater.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread 1½ cups of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the manicotti to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.

🔄 Variations

This recipe is highly versatile. Here are a few popular variations:

• Meaty Manicotti: Add 1 pound of browned ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese mixture or layer it in the sauce.
• Spinach Ricotta: Add 1 cup of cooked and well-drained chopped spinach to the filling for a healthy green twist.
• Three-Cheese with Herbs: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, or chives into the filling for an aromatic kick.
• Spicy Kick: Mix crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or filling for a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free manicotti shells or large gluten-free pasta tubes.
• Vegan Manicotti: Substitute with vegan ricotta and mozzarella-style cheeses, and skip the egg or use a flax egg as a binder.

With these variations, you can make the dish your own, adjusting for dietary needs or flavor preferences while keeping the heart of the recipe intact.

🍳 Cooking Notes

• Pasta Doneness: Don’t overcook the manicotti shells; they will continue cooking while baking. Aim for al dente.
• Prevent Tearing: Cool shells properly before filling to avoid tearing. A gentle touch while handling goes a long way.
• Piping Tip: Use a large piping bag or cut a larger hole in a zip-top bag to make filling easier and less messy.
• Sauce Consistency: If your marinara sauce is too thick, thin it slightly with a few tablespoons of water to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
• Cheese Blend: Freshly grated cheeses melt better and have a richer flavor than pre-shredded versions.
• Cover with Foil: Covering the dish for the first half of baking keeps the shells moist and prevents overbrowning.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Stuffed manicotti is a meal in itself, but here are some excellent accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh garden salad with Italian vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
• Antipasto Platter: For an Italian-themed dinner, start with olives, cheeses, and cured meats.
• Wine Pairing: Try a medium-bodied red like Chianti, Merlot, or a Sangiovese.

💡 Helpful Tips

• Freeze Before or After Baking: You can freeze the assembled dish unbaked or after it’s cooked. If freezing unbaked, don’t cook the pasta all the way – undercook slightly.
• Label and Date Your Dish: Especially helpful when freezing to know when to enjoy it by.
• Double the Recipe: While you’re making one, why not double it? Freeze the second for a stress-free dinner later.
• Reheat Gently: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
• Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can make shells burst during baking.
• Use a Ladle: For even sauce distribution without disturbing the shells.

🌟 Tips for the Best Stuffed Manicotti

• Use Full-Fat Dairy: It delivers the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
• Don’t Skimp on Sauce: Pasta absorbs liquid during baking, so be generous with the marinara.
• Let It Rest: Resting after baking helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices.
• Cook Shells Gently: Stir gently when boiling to prevent breakage.
• Layer Smart: Keep cheese and sauce layers even for the best taste in every bite.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 21g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make stuffed manicotti ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed manicotti?
A: Definitely. Freeze before or after baking, well-wrapped. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Q: What can I use instead of manicotti shells?
A: Try jumbo pasta shells or rolled lasagna sheets as an alternative.

Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A: Absolutely. Use a quality brand or your favorite homemade version for the best flavor.

Q: What’s the best way to fill manicotti without tearing?
A: Use a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Handle the shells gently and work on a flat surface.

🍴 Conclusion

This stuffed manicotti recipe is a timeless classic, beloved for its rich flavors, cheesy filling, and cozy, baked goodness. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal, a celebratory dinner, or a make-ahead marvel for busy nights.

With plenty of tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding to serve.

So grab your ingredients and make room at the table because this baked pasta beauty is sure to steal the spotlight!