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)

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger
A bowl of smooth squash soup spiced with ginger and garlic is topped with yogurt and chopped parsley.

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger

Delicious squash soup seasoned with ginger and pear that’s easy and quick to make for lunch or dinner. Freezes well.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Red Potato and Cabbage (Colcannon)
Medium bowl of creamy potato and cabbage mix.

Red Potato and Cabbage (Colcannon)

This traditional Irish dish is a satisfying combination of creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful cabbage.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Strawberry Swirl
Frothy pink strawberry drinks in glasses.

Strawberry Swirl

Strawberries and apple juice blended together to make a refreshing and tasty drink.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Pumpkin Pudding
Spiced Pumpkin Pudding in a small bowl.

Pumpkin Pudding

A creamy pudding that is full of warm fall spices and pumpkin flavor.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Pineapple Veggie Chicken
Medium bowl of chicken, pineapple and vegetables in broth served with rice.

Pineapple Veggie Chicken

Chicken breast simmered in a sweet and tangy broth with a hint of citrus, garlic and ginger.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Baked Berry Oatmeal
A piece of spiced baked oatmeal with juicy blackberries and raspberries is shown on a plate.

Baked Berry Oatmeal

Healthy baked oatmeal recipe with berries. A great make-ahead meal that kids love!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups