Skip to main content

Easy Manicotti

Tender pasta loaded with creamy cheeses, fresh herbs and tangy tomato sauce.
Plate of stuffed cheese pasta with red sauce and fresh parsley.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes: 14 Filled shells
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells (14 shells)
1 egg
1 carton (15 ounces) low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese
6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 ½ cups)
½ cup minced fresh parsley or 3 Tablespoons dried parsley
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 to 26 ounces) pasta sauce (3 cups)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh herbs under running water before preparing.

  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  4. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
  5. While pasta is cooking, beat egg in medium bowl. Add ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Mix well.
  6. Pour a little of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a rectangular baking dish to prevent pasta from sticking.
  7. Stuff shells with filling (about 2 to 3 rounded teaspoons per shell). Arrange stuffed shells in baking dish. Pour remaining sauce evenly over pasta.
  8. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly throughout.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  10. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Add grated parmesan cheese to the filling mixture.
  • Add your favorite herbs to the sauce for more flavor.

Comments

I really LOVE this recipe, its so easy and tasted great!  BUT my 2 little girls didn't like the creamy inside, they just wanted the noodles and tomato sauce.  So its works out well for me - froze the extra for work lunches.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Spring Green Salad
Bowls of spinach salad topped with strawberries and orange slices.

Spring Green Salad

A colorful and tasty salad with crisp spinach, tangy citrus, sweet strawberries and crunchy walnuts.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Red Wine Vinaigrette
Jar of vinaigrette dressing served on a salad.

Red Wine Vinaigrette

A combination of Italian spices, bright vinegar and tangy mustard makes a dressing to use in a variety of dishes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
Guacamole
bowl of Guacamole

Guacamole

Enjoy this easy and delicious guacamole as a topping or a dip. Thanks to the Latin Heritage Workgroup for their assistance.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Sesame Turnips and Carrots
Bowls of cubed turnips and carrots with sauce.

Sesame Turnips and Carrots

Hearty root vegetables with a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Kale Salad
Wooden bowl holding a large Kale Salad.

Kale Salad

A simple sweet and savory salad that is a great make-ahead meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Hot Apple Orange Cider
Mug of steaming hot cider drink.

Hot Apple Orange Cider

Warm and flavorful drink that is comforting on a cold day and perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
2 hours
Makes:
12 cups