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)

Meatball Soup
Bowl of meatballs, rice and vegetable soup served with lime and cilantro.

Meatball Soup

A hearty meatball soup loaded with veggies, Italian herbs and flavorful broth.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Sautéed Corn and Onion
Bowl of sauteed corn and small onion pieces.

Sautéed Corn and Onion

A buttery, herby side dish perfect for a pot luck summer BBQ or as part of any meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Pasta Ratatouille
Rotini noodles with vegetables and shredded cheese.

Pasta Ratatouille

Fresh summer veggies and herbs make the perfect topping for hearty pasta.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Un-beet-able Berry Smoothie
Glasses of purple fruit smoothie.

Un-beet-able Berry Smoothie

Kid-approved recipe with berries, pineapple and colorful beets is quick and fun to make!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Grape and Cucumber Salad
Thinly sliced cucumber and grape halves with dressing in a bowl.

Grape and Cucumber Salad

A unique and delicious combination of grapes and cucumber, with a homemade vinegar dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Black Bean Soup
A bowl of warming soup with black beans and vegetables, garnished with herbs.

Black Bean Soup

A simple soup with black beans, tomatoes, herbs and a hint of lime. One-pot meal ready in an hour!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 cups