Description
Classic Three-Cheese Manicotti is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender pasta shells stuffed with a creamy mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked in savory marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
8 manicotti shells
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer on top.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the cheese filling for added protein.
Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Use gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free version.
Try different cheeses like fontina, provolone, or asiago for variation.
Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
To freeze, assemble without baking, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (2 shells)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
