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Baked Manicotti

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Baked Manicotti is a comforting Italian-American dish made with tender pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

  • 12 manicotti pasta shells
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for boiling pasta)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook manicotti shells in salted boiling water with olive oil until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
  6. Place filled shells in the baking dish over the sauce.
  7. Pour remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.
  8. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan if desired.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.
  10. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use a piping bag for easier filling of the pasta shells.
  • Add sautéed spinach to the filling for extra nutrients.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • To freeze, assemble but don’t bake—cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave as needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/baked-manicotti/