Three Cheese Manicotti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Three Cheese Manicotti is the ultimate Italian comfort food, and here’s why you’ll love it:

• The creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a deliciously rich filling that pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce.

• It’s an easy-to-make, one-dish meal that’s packed with flavor and can be prepped ahead of time for a busy weeknight or a special dinner.

• The combination of tender manicotti pasta and gooey cheese is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

• It’s a crowd-pleaser—whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 12 manicotti pasta shells

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

5. Stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture, using a spoon or piping bag to fill them completely.

6. Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the prepared baking dish, side by side.

7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the manicotti, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 40-45 minutes

• Total time: 55-60 minutes

Variations

• Add meat: For a heartier version, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the cheese filling or mix it into the marinara sauce.

• Vegetarian version: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.

• Use different cheeses: Swap out the cheeses for a blend of your favorites, like provolone or gouda, for a unique twist.

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of crushed garlic to the marinara sauce for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing: Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the manicotti either before or after baking. To freeze, cover the unbaked manicotti tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the manicotti in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes if it’s refrigerated or 30-35 minutes if frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free manicotti shells?

Yes, gluten-free manicotti shells are available at most grocery stores. Be sure to follow the package directions for cooking times.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the manicotti in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming out of the fridge.

3. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta if you prefer a lower-fat option. Just make sure to drain it well before using.

4. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce works wonderfully in this recipe! It will add a personal touch and fresh flavor.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Manicotti shells are traditional for this recipe, but you can also use jumbo shells or cannelloni pasta as alternatives.

6. Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce to give it a spicy kick if desired.

7. Can I make this recipe without an egg?

Yes, if you need an egg-free version, you can replace the egg with a tablespoon of cornstarch or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).

8. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella?

Yes, you can use fresh mozzarella in place of shredded mozzarella, but you may need to tear it into smaller pieces before adding it to the filling or topping.

9. How do I prevent the pasta from tearing when stuffing it?

Make sure the pasta shells are cooked al dente and allow them to cool slightly before stuffing them. You can also use a piping bag for easier stuffing.

10. Can I add herbs to the cheese filling?

Yes! Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley are great additions to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Three Cheese Manicotti is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining. With a creamy cheese filling, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese on top, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and variations, and enjoy this comforting Italian classic any time!

Three Cheese Manicotti

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This Three Cheese Manicotti is the ultimate Italian comfort food, filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all wrapped in tender manicotti shells. Baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, it’s a perfect family dinner, easy to make, and even better as leftovers! Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or a meaty twist, this dish is versatile and packed with flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 30min
• Total Time: 60min
• Yield: Serves 4-6
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

12 manicotti pasta shells

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cups marinara sauce

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Cook manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.

• Stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon or piping bag for easy filling.

• Place stuffed manicotti shells in the baking dish. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle mozzarella on top.

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

• Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

• Customize with sautéed veggies or meats like spinach, mushrooms, or ground beef.

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.