Go Back
Homemade Manicotti photo

Manicotti

Classic cheese-stuffed manicotti baked in marinara and melted mozzarella.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 10-12 manicotti noodles large tubular pasta, cooked al dente
  • 15 ounce ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated divided (use 1 cup in filling, remaining for topping)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated divided (¾ cup in filling, remaining for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 24 ounce marinara sauce jar

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • piping bag or spoon
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the manicotti noodles, and cook until al dente according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of the grated mozzarella, ¾ cup of the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, chopped basil, beaten eggs, and black pepper; stir until evenly mixed.
  4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Transfer the cheese filling to a piping bag or use a spoon, then carefully fill each manicotti shell and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled manicotti, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Cover the dish and bake for 20–30 minutes, until heated through and the cheeses are melted; uncover and broil 1–2 minutes if you want the top browned.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with additional chopped parsley and basil and serve.

Notes

  • Use large tubular pasta labeled manicotti; jumbo shells can substitute.
  • Cook noodles al dente so they hold shape when filled.
  • Chill filling slightly if it seems too loose before piping.
  • Cover while baking to prevent the top from drying.
  • Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden top if desired.