Stuffed

Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti

Name: Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12-14 manicotti tubes; 1 pound ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano

By Lucia Marchetti · June 18, 2026 · Stuffed

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy, baked pasta dish that just feels like home. For me, that dish is cheese-stuffed manicotti, a classic Italian-American recipe that has been a staple in my family for years. I remember helping my grandmother in the kitchen, learning the intricacies of filling and baking these delicate pasta tubes to perfection. Now, I'm excited to share this beloved recipe with you, so you can enjoy it with your own family and friends.

The beauty of cheese-stuffed manicotti lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It's a dish that can be made ahead of time, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The ingredients are straightforward, and the technique, while requiring a bit of patience, is achievable even for beginners. What you'll end up with is a dish that's not only delicious but also visually appealing, with its golden-brown, cheesy top and tender, perfectly cooked pasta.

This recipe is special because it brings back memories of my childhood and the love that my family shared around the dinner table. It's a dish that I now make for my own family, and it never fails to bring us closer together. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal to warm your heart or a dish to impress your guests, cheese-stuffed manicotti is the perfect choice.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making cheese-stuffed manicotti from scratch. From preparing the filling to baking the dish to perfection, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your manicotti turns out delicious every time. So, let's get started and make some unforgettable memories around the dinner table!

As we cook, I want you to remember that the most important ingredient in any dish is love. It's the love that we put into preparing a meal that makes it truly special. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Let's cook with love and share the joy of delicious food with our loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a family-friendly dish that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
The dish can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
It's a budget-friendly option that's affordable and delicious.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to impress your guests.
The leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of cheese-stuffed manicotti lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The filling, made with a combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, provides a creamy and rich base that's complemented by the sweetness of the tomato sauce. The pasta, cooked al dente, holds its shape beautifully and provides a nice contrast to the softness of the filling.

The key to a great cheese-stuffed manicotti is in the preparation of the filling and the sauce. The filling needs to be well-balanced, with the right amount of seasoning and moisture, to ensure that it doesn't become too dry or too wet during baking. The sauce, made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, needs to be cooked slowly to develop a deep and rich flavor that complements the filling perfectly.

The baking process is also crucial, as it needs to be done at the right temperature and for the right amount of time to achieve a golden-brown, cheesy top and a cooked-through filling. By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you'll end up with a dish that's not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Finally, the resting time after baking is essential to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set. This ensures that the manicotti is easy to serve and that the filling doesn't ooze out when you cut into it. By following these simple steps and tips, you'll be able to create a cheese-stuffed manicotti that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make cheese-stuffed manicotti, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce. The quality of the ingredients is important, so try to use the best you can find. For the pasta, look for manicotti tubes that are made from durum wheat semolina, as they will hold their shape better during cooking. For the cheese, use a combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to check the expiration dates and choose the freshest produce available. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as olive oil, garlic, and herbs, to add flavor to the dish. By using high-quality ingredients and following the recipe carefully, you'll end up with a delicious and authentic cheese-stuffed manicotti that's sure to become a family favorite.

12-14 manicotti tubesLook for tubes made from durum wheat semolina for the best texture and flavor.
1 pound ricotta cheeseUse whole-milk ricotta for the best flavor and texture.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeseUse a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheeseUse a blend of low-moisture and whole-milk mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
1 large eggUse a fresh egg for the best flavor and texture.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse kosher salt for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoesUse a high-quality crushed tomato for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon dried basilUse a high-quality dried basil for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oreganoUse a high-quality dried oregano for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pastaColander for draining pastaMixing bowl for preparing fillingMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon for mixingBaking dish for baking manicotti

How to Make Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the manicotti tubes in a large pot of boiling, salted water for 5-7 minutes, or until they are al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the manicotti.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4
Add the olive oil, garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano to the cheese mixture and mix until well combined.
5
Stuff each manicotti tube with the cheese mixture, using a spoon or a piping bag to fill the tubes.
6
In a large skillet, heat the crushed tomatoes over medium heat. Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine.
7
In a baking dish, create a thin layer of the tomato sauce. Arrange 12-14 stuffed manicotti tubes in the baking dish, leaving a little space between each tube.
8
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the manicotti tubes, making sure that they are all coated with the sauce.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
10
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove the manicotti from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the manicotti tubes, as they will become mushy and unappetizing.
Use a piping bag to fill the manicotti tubes for a more uniform filling.
Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Let the manicotti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use a baking dish that is large enough to hold all of the manicotti tubes in a single layer.
Don't overcrowd the baking dish, as this can cause the manicotti to steam instead of bake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the manicotti tubes, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough sauce, which can cause the manicotti to dry out during baking.
Not letting the manicotti rest before serving, which can cause the cheese to ooze out of the tubes.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not covering the baking dish with foil during baking, which can cause the top to burn.
Not using a large enough baking dish, which can cause the manicotti to steam instead of bake.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or bacon to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, for a unique flavor.
Add some chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition.
Use a different type of pasta, such as shells or ziti, for a different texture.
Add some diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Use a different type of sauce, such as pesto or alfredo, for a unique flavor.
Add some grated nutmeg or cinnamon to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti

Cheese-stuffed manicotti is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and salads. Some popular options include a green salad, garlic bread, and roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed spinach or broccoli for a nutritious and well-rounded meal.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the manicotti with some grilled chicken or sausage. You can also add some diced ham or bacon to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and protein. Whatever you choose, be sure to serve the manicotti hot and enjoy it with your loved ones.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesSautéed spinachGrilled chickenSausage

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Cheese-stuffed manicotti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, let the manicotti cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To freeze it, let the manicotti cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

To reheat the manicotti, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the cheese to melt unevenly.

When reheating the manicotti, be sure to add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the dish to prevent it from drying out. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the top of the manicotti for extra flavor and texture.

Overall, cheese-stuffed manicotti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese, it's a meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for cheese-stuffed manicotti?

Manicotti tubes are the best type of pasta for this dish, as they are specifically designed to be stuffed and baked. Look for tubes made from durum wheat semolina for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use low-fat cheese in the filling?

While you can use low-fat cheese in the filling, it's not recommended, as it can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Whole-milk cheese is best for the richest and creamiest flavor.

How do I prevent the manicotti from drying out during baking?

To prevent the manicotti from drying out, be sure to cover the baking dish with foil during baking and add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the dish. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the top of the manicotti for extra flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the manicotti before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the manicotti before baking. Simply assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it according to the recipe instructions.

What's the best way to reheat leftover manicotti?

The best way to reheat leftover manicotti is to bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the cheese to melt unevenly.

Can I make the manicotti ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the manicotti ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it according to the recipe instructions.

What's the best type of cheese to use in the filling?

The best type of cheese to use in the filling is a combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella. This blend provides the richest and creamiest flavor, and the Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor to the dish.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as diced ham or bacon, chopped spinach or kale, or grated nutmeg or cinnamon. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cheese and seasonings accordingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

The Full Recipe

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