Description
This Easy Cheesy Manicotti recipe features pasta tubes filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and fresh parsley, baked in a flavorful marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner, this dish is straightforward to prepare and serves 4 with a rich, satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 pieces manicotti
Sauce
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (or spaghetti sauce, any flavor, divided)
Cheese Filling
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Others
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Manicotti: Cook the manicotti pasta according to the package instructions, then drain well. Lay the cooked noodles on parchment paper to dry and cool completely before filling.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray, then spread a thin layer of marinara sauce along the bottom of the dish. Set it aside.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the filling is smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Fill Manicotti: Using a spoon, your fingers, or a pastry bag, gently fill each cooled manicotti noodle with the cheese mixture. Pack one end until full, then turn the noodle around and fill the other end, ensuring an even distribute of filling inside.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the filled manicotti in a single layer on top of the marinara sauce in the prepared dish. Once all are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to bake through.
- Add Topping and Bake: Remove the foil and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top of the manicotti if desired. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy manicotti and serve warm with extra marinara sauce or a side salad if desired.
Notes
- Be sure to fully cook and cool the manicotti before filling to avoid breaking the pasta.
- You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; just add additional baking time if baking from cold.
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the cheese filling mixture.
- Use fresh parsley garnish to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.