This top-rated manicotti recipe is satisfying, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to make.
What Is Manicotti?
“Manicotti” (which means, literally, “little sleeves”) can refer to both a pasta shape and an Italian dish. Manicotti shells are large, tubular, and intended to be stuffed. Traditionally, manicotti is stuffed with a cheese mixture and baked in a tomato sauce.
How to Make Manicotti
You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:
Manicotti Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this manicotti recipe at home:
- Pasta: Use store-bought or .
- Cheeses: You’ll stuff the manicotti with a rich mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Eggs: Two eggs lend moisture and help bind the filling together.
- Seasonings: The manicotti recipe is seasoned with dried parsley, salt, and ground black pepper.
How to Stuff Manicotti
It can be difficult to stuff the manicotti shells without breaking them, so you’ll need to be gentle. We recommend using a long, narrow spoon or a piping bag.
How to Make Homemade Manicotti
Here's a very brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade manicotti:
- Boil and drain the manicotti.
- Make the filling and spread sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff the shells and arrange them over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake the manicotti until bubbly.
How Long to Cook Manicotti
In an oven preheated to 350 degrees F, this manicotti recipe should be perfectly cooked and bubbly after about 45 minutes.
What to Serve With Manicotti
Looking for serving inspiration? We’ve got you covered. Pair this manicotti with one of these top-rated side dish recipes:
How to Store Manicotti
Store your leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven. You can freeze manicotti for up to two months.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
“Awesome recipe,” according to one Allrecipes community member. “I used a ground Italian sausage meat sauce, and it was perfect. A neat tip I use is to grab a zipper lock sandwich bag, fill it with the cheeses, and snip the corner, voila a cheap disposable piping bag.”
“I enjoyed eating this recipe,” says . “I substituted dried parsley with fresh parsley. Nothing compares to fresh herbs when cooking Italian.”
“Pro tip: Substitute half of the ricotta with drained cottage cheese,” suggests .
I know it sounds crazy, but the tartness of the cottage cheese brings out a ton of flavor.”
Editorial contributions by
Manicotti
Ingredients
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5 ½ ounces manicotti pasta
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1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
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8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
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¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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salt and ground black pepper to taste
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1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Directions
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Cook manicotti in boiling water until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Mix ricotta, mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
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Pour 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce into an 11x17-inch baking dish. Stuff each manicotti shell with 3 tablespoons cheese mixture, and arrange over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over the top of the shells and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
676 | Calories |
31g | Fat |
53g | Carbs |
46g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
Calories 676 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 31g | 40% |
Saturated Fat 17g | 86% |
Cholesterol 189mg | 63% |
Sodium 1255mg | 55% |
Total Carbohydrate 53g | 19% |
Dietary Fiber 4g | 15% |
Total Sugars 13g | |
Protein 46g | 92% |
Vitamin C 2mg | 3% |
Calcium 1044mg | 80% |
Iron 3mg | 19% |
Potassium 708mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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