There’s something timeless about a well-made manicotti, and our Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti recipe brings that classic Italian comfort right to your table. With a rich, cheesy filling and a savory marinara sauce, it’s a dish that’s bound to please every palate. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Manicotti shells are the perfect vessel for our cheesy filling, holding everything together beautifully. Ricotta cheese provides a creamy base for the filling, while mozzarella cheese adds the gooey, melty factor that everyone loves. A touch of Parmesan cheese offers a nutty, savory depth. The binding power of a large egg helps keep the filling together. Marinara sauce brings that essential acidic balance, cutting through the richness of the cheese. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal finish. A pinch of ground black pepper and salt enhances the flavors, while olive oil keeps the baking dish smooth and adds a subtle richness. Finally, a clove of garlic infuses an aromatic kick to the sauce.
Pair this Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti with a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce. For a complete Italian dinner, follow with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or tiramisu.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and adds a hint of flavor. While the oven warms up, cook your manicotti shells according to the package instructions until they reach that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly, making them easier to handle later.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This will be your filling, so you want it nice and creamy.
Carefully fill each cooked manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. You can use a spoon, but if you have a pastry bag, it might make the job a bit cleaner and quicker. Next, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the savory base for your manicotti.
Place the filled shells in the baking dish snugly, then cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top; this will melt into a delicious, bubbly topping. Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and let the dish bake for another 10 minutes. This gives the cheese time to become golden and bubbly. Once it’s done, take the manicotti out of the oven and sprinkle it with fresh basil just before serving for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Share