Cheese Filled Manicotti

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheese Filled Manicotti recipe, a rich and satisfying baked pasta dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Tender manicotti shells are generously stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, elevated with fresh parsley and Italian seasoning for a burst of flavor in every bite. Nestled in a luscious layer of marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella, this dish is baked to perfection, delivering a decadent, cheesy experience that’s impossible to resist. With straightforward step-by-step instructions and a total cook time of just one hour, this crowd-pleaser is as easy as it is delicious. Perfectly paired with garlic bread or a fresh green salad, this classic Italian comfort dish is sure to become a household favorite. Keywords: cheese filled manicotti, baked pasta, Italian comfort food, stuffed manicotti, easy family dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 pieces large eggs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside on a plate, being careful to prevent the shells from tearing.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Be gentle to avoid tearing the shells.

Step 5

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 6

Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.

Step 7

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, spreading it evenly with a spoon to ensure all the pasta is covered.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

Add 1/4 cup of water to the edges of the baking dish to help create steam, which will keep the pasta moist while baking.

Step 10

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2217.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4049.0

Total Fat 169.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 86.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 914.2mg	0%
Sodium 6840.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 421.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.0g	0%
Total Sugars 25.9g
Protein 223.5g	0%

Vitamin D 80IU	0%
Calcium 4762.7mg	0%
Iron 13.1mg	0%
Potassium 1235.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.2%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 41.1%