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Baked Cheese Manicotti

Baked Cheese Manicotti
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Baked Cheese Manicotti is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. This comforting, cheesy meal is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests and can be easily customized to fit dietary preferences, including gluten-free and vegan options.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 manicotti pasta tubes (pre-cooked or no-boil)

Cheese Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (preferably whole-milk)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Topping

  • 3 cups marinara or tomato sauce
  • Additional shredded mozzarella cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping (about 1/4 cup)

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach, chopped (for spinach addition)
  • 1 cup cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken (for meat lover’s version)
  • Gluten-free manicotti pasta, as a substitute for regular pasta
  • Dairy-free cheese substitutes and tofu ricotta blends (for vegan option)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce, to taste (for spicy twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil the manicotti tubes in salted water until al dente, then rinse with cold water to cool and prevent sticking. Alternatively, use no-boil manicotti to save time and skip this step.
  2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, chopped parsley or basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and evenly mixed. If using optional add-ins like spinach or cooked meat, fold them into the mixture at this stage.
  3. Stuff the Manicotti Tubes: Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the cheese mixture. Set them aside on a tray as you fill them all, being careful not to overfill to prevent bursting during baking.
  4. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread a layer of marinara or tomato sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer over the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
  5. Bake Until Perfect: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and bubble beautifully.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the baked manicotti rest for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and an optional light dusting of Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
  • Don’t overfill the manicotti tubes to prevent them from bursting during baking.
  • Reserve some marinara sauce to serve on the side for extra moisture.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten the dish and add fresh aroma.
  • Allow the baked manicotti to rest for 10 minutes before serving to set and make slicing easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baked Cheese Manicotti, Italian, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked pasta, family dinner, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/baked-cheese-manicotti/