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)

Pico de Gallo
Small bowl of diced tomato-based salsa.

Pico de Gallo

This salsa combines the fresh flavors of veggies, herbs and tangy citrus for the perfect dip or topper for a variety of dishes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Pickled Cabbage Slaw
Shallow bowl of pickled cabbage and sliced vegetables.

Pickled Cabbage Slaw

Enjoy with pupusas, tacos, quesadillas or grilled fish.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Black-Eyed Peas and Quinoa Salad
Bowl of Black-Eyed Peas and Quinoa Salad.

Black-Eyed Peas and Quinoa Salad

Enjoy this main dish or side salad that is full of flavor, color, texture and nutrients.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
No-Knead Whole-Wheat Bread
slices of bread from a rustic loaf

No-Knead Whole-Wheat Bread

This recipe uses a long rise time instead of kneading to make a whole-grain bread with nice texture and flavor.
Prepare:
20 minutes + 13 hours rising
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
20 pieces
Beef Barley Soup
Two bowls are filled with a hearty soup made with vegetables, ground beef and barley.

Beef Barley Soup

One pot meal combining barley, veggies and a flavorful broth!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
14 Cups
Hummus (with tahini)
Hummus garnished with parsley served with carrot sticks, celery and radishes.

Hummus (with tahini)

Homemade hummus dip blends garbanzo beans with lemon, garlic and tahini. Perfect for dipping veggies or pita!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Cup