Cheese Manicotti

Cheese Manicotti with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan filling rolled in no-boil lasagna noodles and baked in marinara sauce. This classic Italian recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or weeknight comfort food. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a hearty, flavorful Italian feast.

Ingredients

Manicotti:

• 3 cups marinara sauce*
• 16 no-boil lasagna noodles*

Cheese Filling:

• 3 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 ½ tsp dried parsley)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce
   Use your favorite marinara sauce or homemade sauce. Set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Filling
   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, eggs, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix until smooth and set aside.
3. Soften the Noodles
   Pour 1 inch of boiling water into a large casserole dish. Add no-boil lasagna noodles a few at a time, letting them soak until pliable (about 5 minutes). Use a fork to separate noodles and prevent sticking. Remove and lay in a single layer on a plate.
4. Assemble the Manicotti
   Spread 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay a softened noodle in front of you and scoop about ¼ cup of cheese filling along the bottom short edge. Roll the noodle into a tube and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
5. Bake
   Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled pasta. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, until bubbly. Remove foil, sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup Parmesan, and bake uncovered for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted.
6. Rest and Serve
   Let the manicotti rest 10–15 minutes before serving to set.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Italian dish with a creamy, cheesy filling and rich marinara sauce.
• Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
• Can be made ahead for easy meal prep.
• Comforting, hearty, and full of flavor.

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Tips

• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, or dried herbs in a pinch.
• If noodles tear while rolling, patch with extra cheese mixture.
• Cover tightly with foil to prevent the pasta from drying out while baking.
• Let it rest after baking to make slicing easier.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Addition: Add cooked spinach, sausage, or ground beef to the filling.
• Cheese Alternatives: Substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for creamier texture.
• Sauce Options: Use homemade tomato sauce, vodka sauce, or pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free no-boil lasagna noodles.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the manicotti in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze manicotti?
Yes, freeze before baking or after baking and cooling. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight.

Do I have to boil the noodles?
No-boil noodles are soaked in hot water to soften, making them easy to roll without boiling.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with red wine or sparkling water for a complete Italian meal.
• Top with extra Parmesan or fresh basil for garnish.
• Great for holiday dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.