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)

Orange Rice Salad
Big bowl of a colorful mixture of rice, orange and parsley.

Orange Rice Salad

This flavorful combination of rice, citrus, nuts and raisins makes a popular side dish. Add a protein for a filling and satisfying lunch.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Platter of oat and peanut butter squares with raisins.

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Whole grain oats, peanut butter and dried fruit make a crispy, chewy treat that is great for when you are on-the-go.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 bars (2x2-inch)
Sikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)
bowl of dip with vegetables

Sikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)

Enjoy this Mayan-inspired dip with fresh veggies or whole-grain chips.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Sautéed Peppers
Bowl of tender bell pepper and onion slices.

Sautéed Peppers

These sauteed sweet peppers and onions are delicious enjoyed on their own, added to sandwiches or pasta, or with fajitas.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Bell Pepper Salad
Red, yellow and green bell pepper strips are mixed with onion slices and dressing for a light and crunchy salad.

Bell Pepper Salad

This 4-ingredient salad is crunchy, tangy and colorful! The perfect addition to any meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Frozen Raspberry Banana Yogurt
Photo of Raspberry Banana Yogurt

Frozen Raspberry Banana Yogurt

Sweet-tart raspberries and creamy yogurt combine to make a refreshing and tasty drink.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups