Description
This classic Italian Manicotti recipe features pasta tubes stuffed with a rich and creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, baked in a savory marinara sauce and topped with melted fresh mozzarella. It’s a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces manicotti pasta
Cheese Filling
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for serving
Sauce and Topping
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center to ensure even baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off to help fill the manicotti shells easily.
- Fill Manicotti Shells: Carefully pipe the cheese mixture into each manicotti shell, filling them generously but without overstuffing.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti in an even layer over the sauce. Cover them with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the cubed fresh mozzarella on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the pasta heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the manicotti garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Using a piping bag makes filling the manicotti shells much easier and less messy.
- Make sure not to overfill the manicotti shells to avoid breakage during baking.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the marinara sauce contains no meat or animal products.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
