Manicotti Recipe – Italian Special
Manicotti is a beloved Italian comfort food featuring large pasta tubes lovingly filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and nestled in a rich tomato sauce before baking. This baked pasta casserole often includes a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sometimes accented with herbs or spinach, for a warming and satisfying dish that’s as hearty as it is flavorful.
- Prep Time30 min
- Cook Time55 min
- Total Time1 hr 25 min
Manicotti Ingredients:
- 5 ½ ounces manicotti pasta
- 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
How to Make Manicotti
Cook the manicotti in boiling water until it reaches al dente consistency, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper until thoroughly mixed.
Spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly in an 11×17-inch baking dish. Fill each manicotti shell with about 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden, about 45 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Al Dente Shells: Cook manicotti tubes just until al dente before stuffing—so they retain structure during baking.
Cheese & Sauce Balance: Use a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and ensure the sauce generously coats each tube to avoid dryness.
Make-Ahead & Freeze: Assemble in advance, then freeze before baking—add extra sauce when reheating for best results.
Herb Enhancements: Stir in fresh parsley or basil to brighten the filling flavor.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes post-baking—this helps the cheese settle and makes slicing cleaner.
