Nothing says comfort food quite like baked Manicotti, with its tender pasta shells generously stuffed with a rich ricotta and Parmesan filling. Baking the dish covered with foil first ensures the pasta steams to perfection before you uncover it to get that golden, bubbly cheese topping. This classic main course is a guaranteed winner for a hearty weekend family dinner that feels wonderfully traditional.

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Homemade cheese stuffed manicotti with golden melted cheese and marinara sauce

Ingredients for Manicotti

Ingredients for a homemade manicotti recipe laid out on a kitchen counter

For the Filling

Manicotti pasta shells – Go for the classic tube shape; it’s perfect for stuffing.

Ricotta cheese – Make sure it’s well-drained for a smooth, creamy texture.
Mozzarella cheese – Shredded is ideal for melting into gooey perfection.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best for that sharp, nutty flavor.
Egg – Beaten lightly to bind all the cheesy goodness together.

Dried oregano – Adds a classic herbaceous note.
Dried basil – Complements the oregano beautifully.
Garlic powder – A little goes a long way for that savory depth.
Salt – Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Black pepper – Just a pinch for a subtle kick.

For the Sauce and Baking

Marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade for maximum flavor.

Water – A splash around the edges helps steam the pasta to perfection.

Cook Time for Cheesy Manicotti Bake

I always find a little planning makes a big difference with a Manicotti recipe.

The prep work is quick, and while it bakes, you can whip up a simple side dish.

This savory baked pasta dinner is on the table in just over an hour.

Step	Time
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	55 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 15 minutes

For more weeknight dinner inspiration, have a look at my other favorite Italian recipes that are just as approachable.

How to Make Baked Manicotti Dish

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent our garlicky tomato baked pasta from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, most of the mozzarella and Parmesan, egg, and all the herbs and spices.

Mix it until it’s smooth and well combined for a truly creamy cheese filled manicotti.

Mixing herbed ricotta and cheese filling for manicotti in a bowl

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each manicotti pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.

They should be full but not bursting—this prevents any splitting during baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread a cup of sauce in the bottom of your dish, then arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer.

Assembling stuffed manicotti shells in a baking dish with marinara sauce

Step 5: Sauce, Cheese, and Steam

Pour the rest of the sauce over the top, sprinkle on the remaining cheese, and add that ¼ cup of water around the edges.

The water is our secret for perfectly steamed pasta!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Then, uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and delightfully bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the oven baked cheesy pasta tubes rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

This allows everything to set so you get perfect slices.

Final baked manicotti dish with melted cheese and fresh herbs

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make your Manicotti even better.

Here’s how to tailor this classic to your taste.

Flavor Swap: For a richer flavor, try mixing in some crumbled Italian sausage or a handful of spinach into the cheese filling. It’s a delicious twist on the classic.
Diet Tweak: To lighten it up, use part-skim cheeses. For a different protein boost, you could also incorporate some cottage cheese into the filling blend.

Prep Fix: If your manicotti shells are too brittle to stuff, boil them for just 3 minutes first to soften. Then, drain and let them cool enough to handle.
Storage Tip: Leftovers reheat beautifully! Cover and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Serve it with a simple roasted broccoli and cauliflower side for a complete meal the next day.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

While this Manicotti is definitely a comforting indulgence, I love knowing that it also brings some genuine nourishment to the table. That rich cheese filling isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with protein and calcium too.

Using whole milk ricotta and real Parmesan gives you a good dose of bone-building nutrients, while the herbs add antioxidants without extra calories. I always feel good serving this to my family because it’s made with real, recognizable ingredients.

For those watching their intake, you can easily lighten up this dish with part-skim cheeses—it still tastes wonderfully creamy. Pair your Manicotti with a fresh pasta salad or some roasted vegetables to round out the meal beautifully.

According to traditional Italian cooking, pasta dishes like this were originally designed to provide sustained energy for working families. The combination of protein-rich cheeses and complex carbohydrates makes this baked manicotti dish both satisfying and nutritious.

Nutrient	Approximate Amount Per Serving
Calories	420
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	35g
Calcium	35% DV

A Lighter Version of Our Classic Manicotti

Sometimes I want all the comfort of this cheesy manicotti bake but with a lighter touch—maybe for a weeknight dinner or when I’m being more mindful about what I eat. Over the years, I’ve perfected a few simple swaps that keep all the flavor while trimming down the richness.

First, I often use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella—they melt just as beautifully but with less fat. For an even bigger health boost, I sometimes mix in some pureed cauliflower or spinach into the cheese filling. You’d be surprised how it blends right in while adding extra nutrients!

If you’re looking for more lightened-up ideas, check out my collection of healthy baking recipes or this delicious spaghetti squash alternative that’s become a favorite in our house.

Remember, making your manicotti pasta shells with these tweaks doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. It’s all about finding that perfect balance where you still feel like you’re enjoying something special without the heaviness.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

I’ve learned through cooking for friends and family with different dietary needs that most recipes can be adapted with a little creativity. When it comes to this manicotti recipe, there are several ways to make it work for various preferences while keeping that essential comfort food feeling.

For my sugar-conscious friends, I often recommend using a marinara sauce with no added sugar—many quality brands offer this option. You can also control the sodium by using low-sodium cheeses and seasoning to your taste. If you’re looking for diabetic-friendly variations, consider adding more protein-rich ingredients like lean ground turkey to the filling.

For those monitoring glycemic impact, pairing your manicotti with a generous side of non-starchy vegetables helps create a more balanced meal. I love serving it with garlicky roasted broccoli or a crisp green salad—the combination makes for a truly satisfying dinner that everyone can enjoy.

How to Serve Manicotti

I’ll never forget the first time I served this baked manicotti dish to my extended family during our annual summer gathering. The table was overflowing with food, but those creamy cheese filled manicotti tubes disappeared faster than anything else! There’s something about this dish that feels both celebratory and comforting at the same time.

Beautifully plated manicotti served with fresh salad and garlic bread

For a complete Italian dinner experience, I love pairing my manicotti with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread. The fresh, bright salad cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly. If you’re looking for more vegetable sides, my roasted broccoli and cauliflower makes a wonderful accompaniment.

When it comes to drinks, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti complements the tomato sauce beautifully, or for a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon feels equally festive. For more inspiration on creating complete meal experiences, browse my other favorite Italian recipes that pair wonderfully with this classic dish.

Presentation matters too—I always serve my manicotti in shallow bowls to show off those beautiful pasta tubes and bubbling cheese. A final sprinkle of fresh basil right before serving adds color and freshness that makes the whole dish come alive.

Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve learned so much about perfecting this Manicotti over the years—often through my own little kitchen mishaps! There are a few common pitfalls that can affect your final dish, but they’re all easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.

One mistake I made early on was overcooking the manicotti pasta shells before stuffing them. They become too soft and tear easily, making them impossible to fill neatly. Now I boil them just until al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven and hold their shape perfectly. For more pasta cooking tips, check out my garlic penne guide that shares all my best techniques.

Another common issue is using cheese filling that’s too wet, which can make your baked manicotti dish watery. I always drain my ricotta well and sometimes even pat it dry with paper towels. If you’re looking for cheese tips, my cottage cheese ideas include great moisture-control methods that work for ricotta too.

According to traditional Italian cooking methods, the temperature of your ingredients matters too. I used to stuff manicotti with cold cheese mixture straight from the refrigerator, which led to uneven baking. Now I let everything come to room temperature first—it makes such a difference in that creamy, evenly melted final result!

Remember, even if your manicotti doesn’t come out perfectly the first time, it will still taste wonderful. Some of my most cherished kitchen memories come from those imperfect early attempts that became family stories we still laugh about today.

How to Store Manicotti

I’ll never forget the time I made a double batch of this cheesy manicotti bake for my neighbor who’d just had surgery. She called me a week later, amazed that the frozen portions tasted just as delicious as the fresh ones! Proper storage really does preserve that homemade goodness.

For short-term storage, I place leftover manicotti in airtight containers—they’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the pasta moist, then cover and warm it gently in the oven. This method keeps those creamy cheese filled manicotti tubes from drying out.

For longer storage, this baked manicotti dish freezes wonderfully. I wrap individual portions tightly in foil, then place them in freezer bags. They’ll maintain quality for up to 3 months—perfect for those nights when you need a comforting Italian dinner idea without the work. If you love freezer-friendly meals, my soup collection includes many make-ahead options too.

When reheating frozen manicotti, I transfer it to the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually. Then I bake it covered at 350°F until heated through—usually about 30 minutes. The aroma that fills my kitchen always takes me back to those childhood Sundays when my grandmother would pull her famous pasta creations from the oven.

Try This Manicotti Yourself

I’ll never forget the first time I served this manicotti recipe to my book club—the silence that fell over the table as everyone took their first bite was the best compliment I could have received. There’s something magical about sharing food that comes from the heart, and this dish has become one of my most requested recipes.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat your family to something extra special, this savory baked pasta dinner is sure to become a favorite. The combination of tender pasta, creamy cheese, and vibrant tomato sauce creates that perfect comfort food experience we all crave.

I’d love to hear how your manicotti turns out! Share your creations with me using #AllisonsKitchen—I always get so much joy seeing your interpretations of my recipes. For more Italian inspiration, explore my other favorites like this fresh caprese salad or these cheesy potatoes that pair beautifully with pasta dishes.

If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, my hearty chicken soup and roasted Brussels sprouts are always popular choices. Remember, cooking is about more than just feeding people—it’s about creating memories around the table that will last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is manicotti filling made of?

Traditional manicotti filling combines ricotta cheese, Parmesan, eggs, and herbs like parsley and basil. I often add mozzarella for extra meltiness and sometimes incorporate spinach for color and nutrition. The creamy mixture gets piped or spooned into the pasta tubes before baking.

What does manicotti mean in Italian?

The word “manicotti” translates to “little sleeves” or “muffs” in Italian, describing the way the pasta tubes resemble small sleeves when stuffed. This charming name reflects the playful nature of Italian cooking and how they often name pasta shapes After everyday objects.

What is the difference between manicotti and cannelloni?

While both are stuffed pasta tubes, manicotti typically refers to the specific pasta shape with ridges, while cannelloni is often smooth and sometimes made with fresh pasta. In America, the terms are used somewhat interchangeably, but traditional Italian cooking maintains distinct definitions for each shape.

What’s the difference between tortellini and manicotti?

Tortellini are small, ring-shaped stuffed pasta often served in broth or with light sauce, while manicotti are large tubes typically baked with cheese and tomato sauce. The main differences lie in their size, shape, and typical preparation methods—though both showcase Italy’s wonderful pasta diversity.

More Comforting Italian Favorites To Try

If you loved this manicotti recipe, you’ll adore these other heartwarming dishes that bring Italian comfort right to your kitchen.

Sunday Gravy with Meatballs – A rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce packed with tender meatballs that tastes like nonna’s kitchen.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Juicy chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a luxurious cream sauce that feels both elegant and comforting.

Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread – Warm, fluffy bread topped with rosemary and sea salt that’s perfect for soaking up any sauce.

Limoncello Tiramisu – A bright, citrusy twist on the classic dessert that ends any Italian meal on a refreshing note.

Creamy Manicotti Recipe With Homemade Marinara

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