Easy Stuffed Manicotti Recipe: Creamy, Dreamy Perfection!

Craving a classic Italian comfort food that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This easy stuffed manicotti recipe delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness you expect, without spending hours in the kitchen. Forget fussy methods and complicated ingredients – this recipe uses readily available items and streamlined steps to create a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Imagine tender manicotti shells overflowing with a creamy ricotta filling, bathed in a rich tomato sauce, and baked to golden-brown perfection. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why it works so well:

• Simple Ingredients: We use common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. No need for exotic cheeses or hard-to-find spices.
• No Pre-Cooking the Shells: That’s right! This recipe skips the often-frustrating step of pre-cooking the manicotti shells. The shells cook perfectly in the sauce while baking, saving you time and effort.
• Easy Filling: The ricotta filling is a breeze to prepare – just mix everything together in one bowl. We use a combination of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, and seasonings for a flavorful and creamy result.
• Streamlined Assembly: The filling is easily piped into the shells, making the stuffing process quick and clean.
• Foolproof Baking: The baking process is straightforward and results in perfectly cooked manicotti with a bubbly, cheesy top.

Ingredients

• Manicotti Shells: 12 uncooked manicotti shells
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (about 2 cups), whole milk or part-skim
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded, divided (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten
• Dried Parsley: 1 tablespoon
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Tomato Sauce: 24 ounces (about 3 cups), your favorite store-bought or homemade
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of tomato sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the manicotti from sticking.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, egg, dried parsley, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Fill the Manicotti: Transfer the ricotta filling to a large zip-top bag. Snip off one corner of the bag to create a piping bag. Alternatively, you can use a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the filling into each manicotti shell, filling them completely.
4. Assemble the Manicotti: Arrange the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish on top of the sauce, side by side.
5. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the manicotti shells, making sure they are well covered.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the manicotti shells are tender. A fork should easily pierce a shell.
9. Rest: Let the manicotti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and prevent burning your mouth!
10. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill the Shells: While you want to fill the shells completely, avoid overfilling them, as the filling can expand during baking and cause the shells to burst.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your manicotti will be. Opt for good-quality ricotta cheese and tomato sauce.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the filling to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a dash of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Prevent Sticking: Be sure to spread a generous layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the manicotti from sticking.
• Check for Doneness: To ensure the manicotti shells are cooked through, pierce one with a fork. It should be tender and offer little resistance. If they are still firm, continue baking for a few more minutes.
• Add Meat (Optional): For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the ricotta filling. Brown the meat before adding it to the filling mixture.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the manicotti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating: Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked manicotti. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also freeze individual portions for easy lunches or dinners.

FAQ

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses in the filling. Provolone, Fontina, or Asiago would all be delicious additions. Just be sure to maintain the overall ratio of cheese to other ingredients.

Can I use a different sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce, vodka sauce, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce. The possibilities are endless!

Do I have to use a piping bag?

No, you don’t have to use a piping bag, but it makes the process much easier and cleaner. If you don’t have one, you can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, or even a spoon. Just be prepared for it to be a bit messier.

My manicotti shells are cracking while baking. What am I doing wrong?

Cracking can occur if the shells are too dry or if they are overfilled. Make sure the shells are well covered with sauce, and avoid overfilling them with the ricotta mixture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian! Just be sure to use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese if you are concerned about animal rennet.

Conclusion

There you have it! An easy and delicious stuffed manicotti recipe that’s sure to impress. With its creamy filling, rich sauce, and bubbly cheese topping, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, put on some Italian music, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal. Buon appetito!