Description
Tender manicotti stuffed with seasoned ricotta and basil topped with delicious marinara and loads of cheese! This easy baked manicotti recipe is the perfect Italian-inspired family dinner that’s comforting, hearty, and cozy.
Ingredients
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- 5–6 oz manicotti pasta (about 10 pieces)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (1 pint) – I used whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup spinach, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 large egg
- 16 oz (2 Cups) marinara sauce, spaghetti sauce, or homemade sauce, divided
Optional Toppings
- Chopped parsley
- Basil on the side
Instructions
- Cook manicotti according to package instructions, undercooking a bit to make manicotti easier to stuff. Cook uncovered, about 7 minutes. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
- Coat a medium baking sheet with cooking spray. Place manicotti in an even layer on the sheet, not touching to avoid sticking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine ricotta, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, ¼ cup parmesan, spinach, basil, seasonings, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- In a 9×13-inch baking pan, pour 1 cup marinara sauce and smooth into an even layer. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each manicotti, filling it completely. Place stuffed manicotti neatly in a single layer in the pan.
- Top with remaining 1 cup marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan. Bake until bubbly, about 30-40 minutes. Mine took 30 minutes.
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Notes
Storing Instructions: Cool completely, cover, and store in the refrigerator for 1-3 days.
Freezing Instructions: Cool and store in an airtight freezer-friendly container for 1-3 months. See post for instructions on freezing uncooked manicotti.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian