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)

Kamut Breakfast Bowl with Tofu and Garbanzo Bean Scramble
Bowls of kamut with a tofu and vegetable topping.

Kamut Breakfast Bowl with Tofu and Garbanzo Bean Scramble

This savory and satisfying breakfast bowl features kamut, an ancient form of wheat with a firm texture and nutty flavor.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 servings
No-Yeast Pizza Crust
Pizza dough shown with smeared red sauce and pizza toppings.

No-Yeast Pizza Crust

A quick and easy way to make homemade pizza crust without yeast. Great idea for your next family dinner!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 12-inch crust
Veggie Omelet in a Mug
Egg omelet topped with cheese in a mug.

Veggie Omelet in a Mug

A quick and easy recipe that uses the microwave to make a healthy breakfast.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
3 minutes
Baked Tortilla Chips
A bowl of baked tortilla chips is shown with salsa for dipping.

Baked Tortilla Chips

Simple homemade tortilla chips. Great recipe to get the kids cooking!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
16 Chips
Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts
Rice and fruit topped with chopped nuts.

Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts

A great breakfast idea with filling grains, crunchy nuts and your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Barley Summer Salad
A clear bowl displays a colorful salad of cooked barley, blueberries and crunchy vegetables.

Barley Summer Salad

Make-ahead fresh and flavorful salad that is hearty and filling.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups