Super Easy Working Mom's Manicotti

Busy weeknights call for comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor, and Super Easy Working Mom's Manicotti is the answer! This family-friendly baked pasta dish features tender manicotti shells stuffed with a creamy trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of garlic. Topped with a rich marinara sauce and ooey-gooey melted cheese, this dish bakes to bubbly perfection in under an hour. Designed with simplicity in mind, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for working moms (and dads!) who need an effortless dinner idea. Serve with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal that everyone will love. Keywords: easy manicotti recipe, stuffed pasta, quick family dinner, baked Italian dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 0.5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells until they are slightly undercooked (about 2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-combined.

Step 4

Using a spoon or pastry bag, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Be gentle to avoid breaking the shells.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, mix marinara sauce with the water to thin it slightly.

Step 6

Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 7

Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure they are fully covered.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 12

Serve warm with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2185.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4824.7

Total Fat 97.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 420.1mg	0%
Sodium 3341.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 778.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.5g	0%
Total Sugars 38.5g
Protein 205.3g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 2399.4mg	0%
Iron 32.7mg	0%
Potassium 1184.8mg	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: 18.3%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 64.7%