Cheesy Baked Manicotti Recipe

Indulge in this ultimate Cheesy Baked Manicotti Recipe, a classic Italian dish featuring tender pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with bubbly melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, this easy manicotti recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and flavor. Learn tips for preventing broken shells, freezing manicotti, and creating variations with spinach or meat. Serve with garlic bread and salad for a complete meal. Discover the best homemade baked manicotti recipe today!

Ingredients

Manicotti

• 10 manicotti shells (boil extra in case some break)
• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
• 5 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz. marinara sauce

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon each: dried parsley, dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon each: dried basil, salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Reserve 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for topping the manicotti.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan cheese, remaining mozzarella, cream cheese, eggs, minced garlic, and seasonings. Mix well until smooth. Refrigerate while preparing the shells.
3. Cook the Pasta: Boil the manicotti shells in salted water for 1-2 minutes less than the package’s al dente instructions. Drain in a colander and rinse gently with cold water until cooled. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
   • Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture, allowing some filling to extend slightly from the ends.
   • Arrange the filled shells in the prepared casserole dish.
5. Top and Bake: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the reserved mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. If desired, broil at 425°F for 1 minute for a bubbly golden top—watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with Garlic Bread with Cheese for a comforting, delicious meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy Goodness: This recipe combines multiple cheeses for a creamy, flavorful filling.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for any cook.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A comforting Italian classic that everyone loves.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dish in advance and bake when ready.

Tips

• Preventing Breakage: Boil a few extra shells in case some tear during cooking.
• Piping the Filling: Use a piping bag or cut the corner off a resealable plastic bag for easier filling.
• Avoid Overcooking: Cook the pasta slightly less than al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
• Layering Sauce: Ensure the shells are well-covered with sauce to keep them moist while baking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Protein: Include cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken in the filling.
• Vegetarian Option: Mix sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables into the cheese mixture.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture.
• Marinara Options: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought marinara sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze manicotti? Absolutely! Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cheesy baked manicotti with:

• Garlic Bread with Cheese: Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini make great sides.

Enjoy this cozy, flavorful dish with family and friends for a meal that’s sure to impress!