The first time I attempted a Manicotti Recipe, I thought stuffing those delicate pasta tubes would be impossible without making a complete mess of my kitchen. But after watching my Italian neighbor demonstrate her grandmother's technique, I discovered that making homemade manicotti is actually much easier than it looks - and infinitely more rewarding than anything you can buy frozen.
Now this cheese-stuffed masterpiece has become our family's go-to dinner when we want something that feels both comforting and elegant. There's something magical about how creamy ricotta filling nestled in tender pasta tubes and smothered in marinara sauce can transform an ordinary weeknight into something that feels like a special occasion.
Why You'll Love This Manicotti Recipe
This isn't just another pasta dish - it's pure Italian comfort that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your family table. What makes this stuffed manicotti recipe absolutely irresistible is how the creamy, herb-infused cheese filling perfectly complements tender pasta and rich marinara sauce in every single bite.
My kids call it "fancy pasta tubes," and my husband always goes back for seconds even when he claims he's completely full! The beauty of this classic manicotti recipe is how it looks incredibly impressive but uses simple techniques that anyone can master. Plus, it's one of those cheese manicotti recipe options that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining when you want to prepare something ahead of time.
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What You'll Need
These simple ingredients create something absolutely extraordinary - and I love how this manicotti filling recipe transforms basic pantry staples into pure Italian magic.
This manicotti recipe is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
Main Ingredients
- 12 manicotti noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Extras
Ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier version, spinach for extra nutrition, or fresh herbs like basil add that extra layer of flavor my grandmother always insisted makes the difference.
How to Make Manicotti Recipe
Cook the Pasta
Boil manicotti noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Don't overcook - they'll continue cooking in the oven and become mushy if overdone.
Prepare the Filling
Mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined. This creates the perfect creamy texture.
Stuff the Tubes
Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cooked manicotti tube with the cheese mixture. Take your time - this step makes all the difference in presentation.
Assemble the Dish
Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, arrange stuffed manicotti on top, then cover with remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Can I make manicotti ahead of time? Absolutely! This italian manicotti recipe can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated, then baked when you're ready to serve.
Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to the most incredible homemade manicotti is slightly undercooking the pasta tubes during the initial boiling.
I learned this from my Italian cooking teacher who explained that the pasta continues to cook in the oven, and overcooked tubes will fall apart when you try to stuff them.
Also, let the filled manicotti rest for 10 minutes before serving - this allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing much cleaner.
My family can always tell when I've rushed this step because the cheese filling runs all over the plate instead of staying perfectly nestled inside.
Easy Swaps
Want to make manicotti recipe beef style? Brown 1 pound ground beef with onions and add to the cheese mixture. For manicotti with cottage cheese, substitute cottage cheese for half the ricotta for a lighter texture. No fresh herbs? Use 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning in the filling for similar flavor depth.
Storage & Serving Tips
This stuffed manicotti recipe ricotta version stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days covered tightly with foil. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven until heated through. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together perfectly.
What to Serve With Manicotti Recipe
This pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for the ultimate Italian feast, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter meal. My family loves it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
FAQs About Manicotti Recipe
Can I use different cheeses in the filling?
Yes! Try adding mascarpone for extra creaminess or substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
What if my manicotti tubes tear while stuffing?
Don't worry! Place them seam-side down in the baking dish and they'll hold together perfectly during baking.
Can I freeze manicotti?
Absolutely! Assemble completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15-20 extra minutes.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse cooked tubes with cool water and lay them flat on a baking sheet until ready to stuff.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more comforting Italian dishes that bring families together, these favorites never disappoint:
Lasagna Roll Ups
Stuffed Shells
Baked Ziti
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Stuffed Manicotti Recipe:
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