The Baked Cheese Manicotti is a timeless Italian comfort dish that blends the richness of creamy ricotta and mozzarella with a bold and zesty marinara sauce. Stuffed pasta tubes are layered into a baking dish and smothered in bubbling cheese, delivering hearty flavor and classic coziness in every bite.
This dish is not only impressive to serve but also incredibly easy to make for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s perfect for vegetarians, comforting for the soul, and can be paired effortlessly with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Whether you’re serving guests or feeding your family, this baked manicotti recipe brings everyone together with one forkful of cheesy bliss.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 manicotti shells
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15 ounces ricotta cheese
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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3 cups marinara sauce
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean towel to cool.
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In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.
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Spoon cheese mixture into a piping bag or a resealable bag with the corner snipped off. Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
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Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9″x13″ baking dish.
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Arrange filled manicotti shells over the sauce. Pour remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Baked Cheese Manicotti: A Comforting Italian Classic
Italian cuisine is beloved around the world for its rich flavors, comforting textures, and emphasis on family-style meals. Among the many pasta dishes that have earned a special place at the dinner table, Baked Cheese Manicotti stands out for its elegant simplicity and deeply satisfying taste. This dish, featuring pasta tubes stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese and baked in a blanket of marinara sauce and mozzarella, is a go-to for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
Manicotti, which translates to “little sleeves” in Italian, is essentially large pasta tubes made for stuffing. Their size and shape make them ideal vessels for hearty fillings like cheese, meat, or vegetables. When baked, the pasta becomes tender, the cheese melts into gooey perfection, and the sauce bubbles up around the edges, infusing every bite with savory warmth.
Whether you’re familiar with this dish or trying it for the first time, you’re in for a satisfying and nostalgic experience.
A Brief History of Manicotti
Though often associated with Italian-American cuisine, manicotti as we know it today has evolved over time. In Italy, the closest traditional counterpart is cannelloni, which typically involves sheets of pasta rolled around a filling rather than pre-formed tubes. Cannelloni is usually served with a béchamel sauce in Northern Italy or with tomato sauce in the South.
When Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America, they adapted recipes based on available ingredients and preferences. Manicotti emerged as a staple dish in Italian-American households and restaurants, often filled with a ricotta-based mixture and covered in tomato sauce and cheese. Today, manicotti is beloved for its comforting, homey appeal and easy adaptability.
Why This Manicotti Recipe Works So Well
There’s something timeless about the combination of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce, but what sets this Baked Cheese Manicotti apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Creamy Ricotta Filling
The filling is light yet rich, thanks to the ricotta cheese. It’s often enhanced with grated Parmesan for depth, mozzarella for that coveted stretch, and an egg to bind everything together. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper provide just the right amount of seasoning without overwhelming the dairy’s natural flavor.
- Homemade (or High-Quality) Marinara
The sauce you use can make or break the dish. A homemade marinara, slowly simmered with garlic, onion, and herbs, adds an authentic depth. But even a high-quality store-bought marinara can work wonders when you’re short on time. The acidity of the tomato sauce cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating balance in every bite.
- The Bake
The magic happens in the oven. Covered in sauce and sprinkled generously with shredded mozzarella, the manicotti are baked until the cheese is bubbling and golden. The baking process melds the ingredients together into a unified, comforting dish that’s impossible to resist.
Nutritional Value and Dietary Notes
Baked Cheese Manicotti is a vegetarian-friendly dish and can easily be adjusted to meet other dietary needs. For example:
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Low-carb/keto: Use eggplant slices or zucchini strips in place of pasta tubes.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free manicotti shells or pasta alternatives.
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Vegan: Substitute ricotta with plant-based cheese and use a vegan mozzarella alternative.
As for the original version, it’s a satisfying meal rich in calcium, protein, and carbohydrates. Paired with a light salad or roasted vegetables, it becomes a well-rounded plate.
Pairing Suggestions
Manicotti is a hearty entrée and pairs beautifully with lighter sides that complement its richness.
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Salads: A crisp Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness.
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Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini work well.
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Bread: Garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf is perfect for mopping up extra sauce.
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Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or Sangiovese balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and the creaminess of the cheese.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Manicotti is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Here are a few tips to make your meal prep easier:
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Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.
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Freeze: Assemble the manicotti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge or bake directly from frozen, adjusting baking time accordingly.
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Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Customization Options
The beauty of a dish like this lies in its flexibility. You can adapt the base recipe in endless ways depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge.
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Add Spinach: Fold sautéed spinach or kale into the ricotta filling for added nutrition and flavor.
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Include Mushrooms: Add finely chopped mushrooms to the cheese mixture or layer them in with the sauce.
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Use Meat: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the filling or mix into the sauce for a meatier version.
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Swap the Sauce: Use béchamel or a creamy Alfredo-style sauce instead of marinara for a richer variation.
Each of these changes still results in a delicious, satisfying meal with its own personality.
Why It’s Perfect for Entertaining
Baked Cheese Manicotti is not only comforting but also visually appealing when served. Its structured shape, creamy filling, and golden-baked cheese topping make it a beautiful centerpiece for any dinner party or holiday gathering. It’s easy to scale for a crowd and pairs well with a variety of side dishes and wines.
Plus, it allows you to enjoy the company of your guests rather than spending time in the kitchen during the meal. Just assemble ahead, pop it in the oven, and serve hot and bubbly straight to the table.
Conclusion
There’s something universally loved about a well-made baked pasta dish, and this Baked Cheese Manicotti is no exception. With its classic flavors, adaptable nature, and comforting richness, it checks all the boxes of a soul-satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or feed your family on a busy weeknight, manicotti delivers in both taste and ease.
It’s a dish that embodies warmth, tradition, and togetherness, exactly what good food should be. So go ahead, fill those pasta tubes, pour on the sauce, and make a pan of comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.