
The Best Cheesy Baked Manicotti
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this Cheesy Baked Manicotti, stuffed with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, and topped with marinara sauce for the ultimate pasta night! This vegetarian main dish is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Produce:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Refrigerated:
- 2 large eggs
Condiments:
- 24 oz marinara sauce (or spaghetti sauce)
Pasta & Grains:
- 8 manicotti shells (uncooked)
Baking & Spices:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Dairy:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
Cook the Manicotti Shells:
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells for 5–6 minutes, or until slightly softened but not fully cooked (they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Assemble the Manicotti:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill the Shells:
- Using a piping bag, spoon, or zip-top bag with the corner cut off, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
Bake the Manicotti:
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired