Cheesy Manicotti: An Easy Homemade Italian Comfort Food Recipe

Classic Three-Cheese Manicotti: The Ultimate Italian Comfort Dish

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade manicotti – those tender pasta tubes filled with creamy cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. This Italian-American favorite brings together the perfect combination of rich cheese filling, savory marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s sure to become a family tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

This classic baked manicotti recipe stands out from ordinary pasta dishes with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The pasta shells maintain their structure while housing a decadent three-cheese filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a Sunday family dinner or looking for a special weeknight meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Perfect Cheese Manicotti

• 5 ½ ounces manicotti pasta (about 8 tubes)
• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or good quality jarred)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Manicotti Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti tubes for 2 minutes less than package directions (they should be slightly undercooked as they will continue cooking in the oven). Drain carefully and set aside on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 1½ cups of mozzarella, ¼ cup of Parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined and smooth.
4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the cheese mixture. Work gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
6. Arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the top of the filled manicotti, ensuring all pasta is covered.
8. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
10. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Manicotti

After years of perfecting this stuffed pasta recipe, I’ve discovered a few tricks that make a big difference:

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercook the manicotti tubes as they’ll continue to soften in the oven.
• Piping is easier than spooning – Use a piping bag (or zip-top bag with corner cut off) to fill the tubes without breaking them.
• Quality cheeses matter – Use whole milk ricotta and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• Let it rest – Allow the baked manicotti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so the filling can set.

Nutritional Information

Common Questions About Homemade Manicotti

Can I make manicotti ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

Can I freeze manicotti?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the difference between manicotti and cannelloni?

While both are stuffed pasta tubes, manicotti are typically larger, ridged tubes made from pasta sheets, while cannelloni are smooth and often made from pasta sheets that are rolled. The fillings can be similar, but cannelloni sometimes include meat.

What sides go well with manicotti?

Serve your manicotti with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or sautéed spinach for a complete Italian meal.

Variations on Traditional Manicotti

Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti

Add 1 cup of cooked, well-drained, and chopped spinach to the cheese mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Meat Lover’s Manicotti

Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage or ground beef and mix with 1 cup of the cheese filling. Use this mixture to stuff the manicotti for a heartier dish.

Seafood Manicotti

Fold in 1 cup of cooked, chopped shrimp or crab meat to the cheese mixture for an elegant seafood variation.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this classic cheese manicotti recipe delivers authentic Italian flavors that everyone will love. The combination of tender pasta, rich three-cheese filling, and savory marinara creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts – true comfort food at its finest.

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes