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Easy Homemade Manicotti

This delightful Italian recipe features tender pasta tubes stuffed with a luscious blend of cheeses and smothered in rich marinara sauce, making it a comforting and easy dish to prepare.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 pieces manicotti pasta shells
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Filling
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided for filling and topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
Garnish
  • to taste fresh basil Optional, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the manicotti shells and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, the egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
  2. Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
Assembly
  1. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti in the dish, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Baking
  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving!

Notes

Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft while baking. Customize the filling by adding ingredients like sautéed spinach or mushrooms. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.