Deliciously Cheesy Baked Manicotti
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Deliciously Cheesy Baked Manicotti, a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners. This recipe features tender manicotti shells stuffed with a rich and creamy cheese filling, topped with a savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or warm garlic bread for a complete Italian feast.
6
Servings
350
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti Sauce
2 cups (Jarred or homemade, your choice.)
Egg
1 (Lightly beaten.)
Ricotta Cheese
1 3/4 cups (Fresh or store-bought.)
Mozzarella Cheese
1 1/2 cups (Shredded.)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (Grated.)
Basil Pesto
1/4 cup (DiGiorno, optional for added flavor.)
Manicotti Shells
12 (Cooked and rinsed in cold water.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 3/4 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and pesto (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3
Transfer the cheese mixture into a large resealable plastic bag. Snip off a small corner of the bag to create a piping bag for easy filling.
4
Cook the manicotti shells half the time specified on the package, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to prevent further cooking.
5
Once cooled, fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture, squeezing from the plastic bag. Place the filled shells in the baking dish over the sauce.
6
Pour the remaining 1 1/4 cups of spaghetti sauce on top of the stuffed manicotti. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the manicotti is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
8
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, melted top. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
25g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deliciously Cheesy Baked Manicotti?
It is a comforting Italian-style dish featuring tender manicotti pasta shells stuffed with a rich ricotta and mozzarella cheese filling, topped with marinara sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of this manicotti?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What are the primary fats in this dish?
A single serving contains 20 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving has 25 grams of carbohydrates.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much spaghetti sauce goes on the bottom of the dish?
Spread 3/4 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of the pan.
What cheeses are used in the filling?
The filling uses ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Is an egg necessary for the filling?
Yes, one lightly beaten egg is used to bind the cheese mixture together.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of ricotta cheese.
What is the total amount of mozzarella cheese used?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese in total.
Can I add pesto to the cheese filling?
Yes, adding 1/4 cup of basil pesto is optional but recommended for extra flavor.
What is the easiest way to fill the manicotti shells?
Transfer the cheese mixture to a large resealable plastic bag, snip off a corner, and pipe it into the shells.
How long should I boil the manicotti shells?
Cook the shells for only half the time specified on the package.
Why should the shells be put in cold water?
Transferring them to cold water stops the cooking process and makes them easier to handle.
How many manicotti shells are used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 12 manicotti shells.
How much sauce is poured over the top of the shells?
Pour the remaining 1 1/4 cups of spaghetti sauce over the stuffed manicotti.
How long does the manicotti bake in total?
The manicotti should bake for a total of 40 minutes.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
When should I remove the foil?
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to brown the cheese.
How do I know when the manicotti is done?
It is done when it is heated through and the cheese on top is bubbly.
Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can use either jarred or homemade sauce.
What type of parmesan cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What are some recommended side dishes?
Serve it with a fresh salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family meals.
Does the recipe use fresh or store-bought ricotta?
Either fresh or store-bought ricotta cheese works perfectly.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set.
What kind of category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Manicotti and Italian comfort food.