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)

Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water
Glasses of refreshing Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water are shown with an apple slice garnish.

Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water

A unique and flavorful spin on flavored water!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Roasted Whole Chicken
whole roasted chicken on platter

Roasted Whole Chicken

Enjoy easy and flavorful roasted chicken for a meal and use the tender meat to prep for other recipes.
Prepare:
5 to 10 minutes
Cook:
1 ½ hours
Makes:
4 to 6 cups cooked chicken
Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal
Display of Apple Spice Oatmeal recipe squares

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

This make-ahead baked oatmeal breakfast recipe with fruit and whole grains is kid approved!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
9 Squares (2.5 inches x 2.5 inches)
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Skillet with cheesy macaroni noodles.

Skillet Mac and Cheese

A simple and quick recipe to make at home. Customize with the cheese and vegetables you have on hand.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Potato Turnip Gratin
Baking dish of potatoes and turnips with a crispy top layer of breadcrumbs.

Potato Turnip Gratin

Rich and creamy root vegetables, flavored with tangy parmesan cheese and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Stovetop Barley
Cooked barley in a bowl.

Stovetop Barley

This fiber-rich grain has a mild nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ to 4 cups