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)

Fruit Yogurt Popsicles
Fruit Yogurt Popsicle with popsicle holder

Fruit Yogurt Popsicles

Make a quick and tasty frozen treat that kids of all ages will love!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
9 popsicles
Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip
Small bowl of yogurt and peanut butter mix served with sliced apples.

Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip

This peanut butter dip comes together in 5 minutes and is perfect with apples and celery.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
12 Tablespoons (¾ cup)
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
Plate of square red oatmeal and raspberry bars.

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

Sweet-tart raspberries, whole grain oats and a buttery crust make the perfect dessert or snack.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 Bars (2 inches x 2.5 inches)
Garden Herbal Tea
Mugs of water infused with herbs and orange peels.

Garden Herbal Tea

A quick and easy way to enjoy cold or warm tea using whatever herbs you like.
Prepare:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Peanut Protein Smoothie for Two
Glasses of creamy smoothies.

Peanut Protein Smoothie for Two

Creamy and satisfying protein-packed smoothie perfect for breakfast and on-the-go.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Roasted Parsnips
Tazón de palitos de chirivía dorada.

Roasted Parsnips

Try roasted parsnips for a slightly sweet and nutty flavored side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups