If you’re craving an Italian comfort dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and satisfying, a Baked Manicotti Recipe is your perfect go-to. This oven-baked classic captures everything we love about Italian cuisine, creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta shells stuffed with flavorful fillings.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a professional gathering, manicotti offers a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen. In this guide, we’ll cover every detail, from cheese manicotti recipes and spinach and cheese manicotti variations to tips for achieving the perfect bake.
Let’s dive into the art (and science) of making the ultimate baked manicotti.
What is Manicotti?
“Manicotti” literally means “little sleeves” in Italian, referring to the large, tube-shaped pasta traditionally filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables and baked in sauce. It’s the American-Italian version of cannelloni, but slightly larger and rigid to hold more sauce.
Manicotti became popular in the U.S. during the 20th century, and according to the National Pasta Association (NPA), Americans consume over 5.95 billion pounds of pasta annually—with baked pasta dishes like manicotti being among the top favorites.
Baked Manicotti Recipe Ingredients
Before you start, gather all your ingredients. You can customize your manicotti based on personal taste, but here’s a professional base to work from.
Manicotti Shell Ingredients
- 1 box manicotti pasta (8–10 shells)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese Options: Try a baked manicotti with string cheese for a gooey, kid-friendly twist.
- Healthier Alternatives: Substitute part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Twist: Add chopped spinach for a spinach and cheese manicotti that’s full of nutrients.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan ricotta or tofu-based cheese substitutes.
How to Make Manicotti
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s move step by step.
How to Cook Manicotti Pasta
Boil manicotti shells in salted water for 6–7 minutes, just until al dente. They’ll finish cooking in the oven. Overcooking will make them too soft to stuff.
How to Stuff Manicotti
Stuffing manicotti can be tricky. Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with a corner cut off to neatly fill each shell. Each one should be full but not bursting.
How Long to Bake Manicotti
Bake manicotti covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 10 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.
Step 1: Prepare Manicotti and Cottage Cheese
Combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix until creamy and smooth.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
(Optional) For a meatier version, brown ½ pound of lean ground beef with garlic and onion, then mix it with a portion of the cheese filling or layer it in the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Place stuffed manicotti tubes on top.
- Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle extra mozzarella.
- Bake as directed until the cheese is melted and edges are bubbling.
Tips for Perfect Manicotti Pasta
- Don’t overboil pasta—slightly firm shells are easier to handle.
- Use a sturdy piping bag to prevent tearing.
- Always preheat your oven for even baking.
- Let it rest 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
- For a creamy twist, add string cheese in the center of each tube before baking.
How to Make Homemade Manicotti
If you’d rather make everything from scratch, homemade manicotti shells can be prepared with a simple crepe-style batter using flour, eggs, and milk.
- Blend ingredients and cook thin crepes on a non-stick pan.
- Fill them like pasta shells and bake as usual.
- This method avoids boiling and gives a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Store the Best Manicotti
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Refresh: Add a drizzle of olive oil or sauce before reheating to prevent dryness.
Tools You Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Aluminum foil
- Spatula or piping bag
- Sharp knife for slicing portions
Storage and Freezing
- To Freeze (Unbaked): Assemble the manicotti, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50–60 minutes.
- To Freeze (Baked): Let it cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
Here’s a quick variation worth trying:
Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti with Spinach
- 1 package manicotti shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
- Top with marinara and mozzarella, then bake as above.
This stuffed manicotti with ricotta cheese variation offers a nutrient boost and classic Italian flavor balance.
Conclusion
A well-made Baked Manicotti Recipe is pure comfort food, rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you choose a cheese manicotti recipe, a spinach and cheese manicotti, or an indulgent baked manicotti with string cheese, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite.
If you’re looking for something simpler, check out our Easy Manicotti Recipe for a faster, beginner-friendly version.
So next time you’re planning a cozy dinner or want to impress your guests—make manicotti. Because nothing says Italian comfort quite like it.
FAQs
1. Can I make manicotti ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
2. Can I use no-boil noodles for manicotti?
Yes, but ensure there’s enough sauce and baking time so they cook through.
3. What’s the best cheese for manicotti?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional, but string cheese works great for extra stretchiness.
4. Can I freeze stuffed manicotti?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked manicotti for best texture; just bake longer when ready.
5. What sides go with manicotti?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables complement manicotti beautifully.
