If you have a soft spot for hearty Italian favorites, then this Classic Manicotti Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender pasta tubes filled with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, accented with fresh herbs and garlic, all baked in a rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. This dish brings that comforting, cheesy goodness straight to your table with ease and elegance, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. The Classic Manicotti Recipe perfectly balances creamy texture and vibrant flavors, delivering that homemade warmth everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Manicotti Recipe lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each plays a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy ricotta adding richness, the fresh herbs brightening the flavor, or the marinara sauce tying everything together with vibrant tomato goodness.
- 12-14 tubes Manicotti Pasta: These large pasta tubes are perfect for holding the creamy filling without breaking apart.
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for a luxuriously rich and smooth texture in the filling.
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Whole milk mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible stretch and gooey top.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth that enhances every bite.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the filling perfectly set inside each pasta tube.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil: Chopped finely to bring a fresh, aromatic lift to the filling.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Adds a splash of green color and a mild, herbal brightness.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced to infuse the filling with savory depth and subtle heat.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice and warmth.
- 4 cups Marinara Sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, this sauce brings a tangy, tomato-rich base that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: A light drizzle on top before baking adds a silky finish and beautiful golden color.
How to Make Classic Manicotti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to make sure it’s nicely heated by the time your dish is ready to bake. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti tubes for 6-7 minutes until they’re just al dente — tender but still firm to hold the filling without breaking apart. After cooking, carefully drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, half a cup of grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped basil, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture bursting with fresh herb aroma and cheesy richness. This filling is the heart of your Classic Manicotti Recipe and will bring every bite to life.
Step 3: Fill the Manicotti Tubes
Using a spoon or a piping bag for neatness, carefully stuff each manicotti tube with the cheesy filling. Be gentle so the tubes don’t crack, but make sure each tube is filled to the brim for that perfect burst of cheesy goodness in every mouthful.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of your baking dish — this prevents sticking and infuses the pasta with tangy tomato flavor from the very base. Then, arrange the filled tubes snugly in the dish, side by side. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti, making sure every tube is lovingly bathed in that delicious sauce. Finally, sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a golden, bubbling crust after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the top to help the cheese achieve that lovely golden finish and rich flavor. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbling and perfectly golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your manicotti rest for about 10 minutes — this helps it set and makes serving easier. If you like, sprinkle extra fresh herbs or a little additional Parmesan on top to add a fresh, vibrant note right before serving. And there you have it — the classic comfort of this Classic Manicotti Recipe at its best!
How to Serve Classic Manicotti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are fantastic garnishes, adding a pop of color and freshness against all that creamy, cheesy richness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor and presentation, making every plate feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Classic manicotti pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement without overwhelming. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness, while garlic bread or warm focaccia invites you to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also add a nice texture contrast and a touch of earthiness to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving individual manicotti portions in small, shallow ramekins topped with a sprinkle of herbs and cheese right at the table. You could also layer manicotti in a baking dish with extra layers of spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and color. Regardless of how you present it, this Classic Manicotti Recipe will always steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover manicotti keeps wonderfully in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, so you might find the second-day taste even better. Just be sure to keep it covered well to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly if you want to prepare it ahead. Assemble the manicotti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed to ensure it heats evenly and stays delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by covering the manicotti with foil and warming it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking in the oven keeps the texture and flavors closest to freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil pasta for the manicotti?
Traditionally, manicotti tubes are boiled before filling to prevent cracking, so no-boil pasta tubes are not typically recommended. The boiled tubes hold the filling better and ensure even cooking during baking.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you can’t find ricotta, you can try using cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream, but the classic texture and flavor of ricotta really shine in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
This Classic Manicotti Recipe is naturally vegetarian as written, since it contains no meat. Just double-check your marinara sauce ingredients to ensure it doesn’t include any meat-based broths or additives.
How do I keep the manicotti from falling apart?
Gently handle the manicotti tubes when filling, and avoid overcooking the pasta before filling. Cooking them until just al dente and rinsing with cold water helps maintain their shape and texture during baking.
Can I add meat to this manicotti?
Absolutely! For a meatier version, try adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the ricotta filling mixture. Cook and drain the meat first, then mix it in before stuffing the pasta tubes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Classic Manicotti Recipe that brings both comfort and celebration to your dining table. It’s a dish that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, combining simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or wow-ing guests, this recipe is bound to become one of your all-time favorites. So don’t wait—grab those ingredients and dive into the cheesy, herby, saucy magic that is classic manicotti!
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Classic Manicotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Classic Manicotti is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring large pasta tubes filled with a creamy ricotta and herb mixture, baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe combines tender pasta, a flavorful cheese filling, and a savory tomato sauce for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Manicotti and Cheese Filling
- 12–14 tubes Manicotti Pasta (Large pasta tubes designed for filling)
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (Whole milk ricotta for a rich texture)
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Use whole milk mozzarella for best results)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutty flavor that enhances the dish)
- 1 large Egg (Helps bind the filling together)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (Chopped for flavor)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped for color and flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust according to taste)
Sauce and Finishing
- 4 cups Marinara Sauce (Store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Drizzle over assembled manicotti)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the manicotti perfectly.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti tubes for 6-7 minutes until al dente, meaning they should be tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Fill Manicotti Tubes: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the cheese mixture, ensuring they are well stuffed without tearing the pasta.
- Layer Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble Dish: Arrange the filled manicotti tubes neatly in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the tubes. Sprinkle the dish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create a bubbly, golden topping.
- Bake Covered: Drizzle olive oil over the top, then cover the dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to heat through and blend flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked manicotti to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps set the filling and makes serving easier. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Cook manicotti tubes just until al dente as they will continue to soften during baking.
- Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add a vibrant flavor but can be substituted with dried herbs if necessary—use 1 teaspoon each if dried.
- Use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella for a richer, creamier texture.
- Be gentle when filling the manicotti tubes to avoid tearing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
