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Cheesy Manicotti Bake with Marinara and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Classic baked manicotti stuffed with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese filling, layered with marinara sauce and topped with melted fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, and fragrant Italian herbs for a comforting and satisfying Italian meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces manicotti

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F with the rack positioned in the center to ensure even baking throughout the dish.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the manicotti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and handle easily.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner trimmed for easy filling.
  4. Fill the Manicotti: Carefully pipe the cheese mixture into each manicotti shell, filling them completely but carefully to avoid breaking the pasta.
  5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti evenly over the sauce. Cover the manicotti with the remaining sauce and scatter the cubed fresh mozzarella evenly on top.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the filling to warm and the flavors to meld.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes uncovered. This step allows the cheese on top to melt beautifully and the sauce to bubble, creating a delicious finish.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the manicotti hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Using a piping bag makes filling manicotti shells easier and less messy.
  • Rinsing cooked pasta under cold water helps stop cooking and prevents sticking when filling.
  • Fresh mozzarella on top adds a creamy, melty finish compared to only shredded cheese.
  • You can prepare the dish a day ahead and bake before serving for convenience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/cheesy-manicotti-bake-with-marinara-and-fresh-mozzarella-recipe/