Easy Manicotti Recipe: 7 Cozy Reasons This Stuffed Pasta Belongs on Your Dinner Table
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bubbling casserole dish of baked pasta. Especially when it’s filled with creamy cheese and blanketed in rich tomato sauce.
This Easy Manicotti Recipe brings all the warmth and satisfaction of a classic Italian meal—without the stress.
It’s one of those Cozy Cook recipes that tastes gourmet but is incredibly simple to follow. If you’ve been hunting for an Easy Manicotti Recipe that’s weeknight-friendly and freezer-ready, this is it.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Easy Manicotti Recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Looking for more cozy meals? Try our Cream Cheese Spaghetti or bake a side of Caprese Bread for a complete Italian-style feast.
What Is Manicotti and Why It’s a Classic Stuffed Pasta Dish
Manicotti means “little sleeves” in Italian. That’s exactly what it is—large, tubular pasta designed to be filled with deliciousness.
Typically, it’s stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese and baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden.
Unlike lasagna or baked ziti, manicotti recipes focus on filling each pasta tube. That makes the dish feel more hands-on and rewarding to serve.
It’s a staple in many homes, especially during holidays and family gatherings. You’ll find it on tables filled with classic Italian dinner recipes like ours.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pasta for Cozy Italian Meals
This Easy Manicotti Recipe is ideal for busy families, couples, or anyone who loves cheesy comfort food.
Not only is it affordable and simple to make, but this Easy Manicotti Recipe is also flexible—you can adjust the filling or sauce to suit your taste.
It freezes well and reheats beautifully. Whether you’re craving a hearty Sunday dinner or preparing meals for the week, this Easy Manicotti Recipe delivers.
For more satisfying pasta dishes, check out our French Onion Beef Pasta or Chicken Kiev Pasta Bake.
Ingredients for the Easy Manicotti Recipe
You’ll need the following:
For the filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the pasta and sauce:
- 8 manicotti pasta shells
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- Chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish)
Add extra flavor with sundried tomatoes or roasted garlic—just like we do in Garlic Herb Braided Bread.
How to Make This Easy Manicotti Recipe Step-by-Step
- Boil pasta: Cook shells just until pliable. Drain and rinse with cool water.
- Mix filling: Combine cheeses, egg, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stuff pasta: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill the manicotti.
- Layer and top: Spread sauce in your dish, add stuffed shells, top with more sauce and cheese.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover for 10 more.
- Garnish and serve: Add herbs and enjoy hot.
Pair with a refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad or crispy Garlic Bread Bowl.
Sauce Options for Italian Dinner Recipes Like This One
Marinara is classic, but you have options:
- Creamy vodka sauce
- Béchamel for white manicotti
- Sausage meat sauce for a hearty twist
- Spicy arrabbiata for heat lovers
Want more creamy ideas? Try this Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta.
Tips for Filling Pasta Shells Without Breaking Them
Don’t overcook the shells—they’ll tear.
Let them cool after boiling to make them easier to handle.
Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to fill neatly.
Hold each shell gently while stuffing to keep your Easy Manicotti Recipe looking great.
Variations of This Cozy Cook-Inspired Manicotti
This recipe is a great base for creativity. Try these twists:
- Spinach and ricotta: Stir in 1 cup cooked, squeezed spinach.
- Meaty manicotti: Add browned ground beef or Italian sausage to the filling.
- Alfredo-style: Swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free manicotti or even zucchini roll-ups as a base.
It’s as flexible as it is delicious.
What to Serve With This Easy Manicotti Recipe
Balance the richness with fresh or crunchy sides:
- Garlic bread or Caprese Bread
- Caesar or arugula salad
- Roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus
- A light soup starter like Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar
It’s a full Italian meal made easy.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips for Cozy Pasta Shells
To make ahead: Assemble the dish fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
To freeze: Wrap unbaked manicotti tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze up to 2 months.
To bake from frozen: Bake covered at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes.
Having a pan of manicotti ready to go makes weeknights that much smoother.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Stuffed Pasta
- Overcooking the pasta: Leads to breakage when stuffing.
- Too much sauce on top: Can make it soggy.
- Using runny filling: Drains out while baking.
- Forgetting the foil: Can cause dry, overbaked pasta.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll nail your easy manicotti recipe every time.
FAQs About Manicotti Recipes
Can I use jumbo pasta shells instead of manicotti?
Yes! Stuffed jumbo shells offer a similar result and are easier to fill.
What’s the best cheese for manicotti filling?
Ricotta is classic, but you can blend in mascarpone or cottage cheese for variation.
Can I freeze baked manicotti?
Yes, though texture is best when frozen unbaked.
How many manicotti shells per person?
Plan for 2–3 per person depending on sides and appetite.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Manicotti Recipe proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make a satisfying, homemade Italian dinner.
It’s cheesy, comforting, and full of heart—just like all the best Cozy Cook recipes.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to try our Chicken and Cavatappi Pasta or these cheesy Stuffed Sandwiches.
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Easy Manicotti Recipe: 7 Cozy Reasons This Stuffed Pasta Belongs on Your Dinner Table
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Manicotti Recipe is a cheesy, saucy, baked pasta classic that brings cozy comfort to your table. Filled with ricotta and topped with bubbling mozzarella, it’s perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, and anyone craving a delicious, hearty Italian favorite.
Ingredients
For the Filling
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15 oz ricotta cheese
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1 large egg
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce
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8 manicotti pasta shells
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3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
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Chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Pasta: Boil manicotti in salted water for 5–6 minutes until just flexible. Drain and rinse under cool water. Set aside.
2️⃣ Make Filling: In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3️⃣ Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
4️⃣ Fill Shells: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture.
5️⃣ Assemble: Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella.
6️⃣ Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7️⃣ Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve hot.
Notes
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Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped as a makeshift piping bag.
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Add cooked spinach, sausage, or ground beef to the filling for a twist.
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Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze before baking.
