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)

Peanutty Stew
Medium bowl of vegetable and peanut soup on a plate served with crackers.

Peanutty Stew

A hearty and satisfying stew with filling whole grains, flavorful veggies and crunchy nuts.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Potato Pals
Plate of baked red potato quarters.

Potato Pals

This side dish of roasted potatoes goes well with a variety of meals. Simple to make with only 4 ingredients. Add variety with your own favorite spices.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Tuna Veggie Melt
Plate of english muffins topped with a tuna mix and cheese.

Tuna Veggie Melt

A quick and satisfying meal that uses English muffins topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 Muffin Halves
Green and Orange Chicken Salad
Large bowl of mandarin orange and chicken salad.

Green and Orange Chicken Salad

A bright and flavorful salad with a toasty soy dressing.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Vegetable and Beef Skillet Meal
Casserole dish with melted cheese coating a rice and vegetable mix.

Vegetable and Beef Skillet Meal

Warm and comforting meal with beef and veggies over warm rice and topped with cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Refried Bean Soup
Medium bowl of thick Refried Bean Soup.

Refried Bean Soup

Canned beans and tomatoes make this tasty soup so quick and easy to prepare.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups