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)

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
Cranberry Applesauce
Bowl of smooth apple and cranberry puree.

Cranberry Applesauce

A new way to enjoy applesauce that is bright, flavorful and kid-approved.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables
Glass jars of peppers, garlic, asparagus and carrots in pickling brine.

Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables

Make your own crispy pickled vegetables at home with this simple recipe.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 pints or 1 quart
Cucumber Flavored Water
Glasses of ice water with thin slices of cucumber.

Cucumber Flavored Water

Homemade flavored water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Stir-Fry Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Plate of stir-fried noodles with chicken and vegetables.

Stir-Fry Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Make your own stir fry ramen noodles with chicken, vegetables and a creamy peanut sauce.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Broccoli Raisin Salad
A bowl is filled with crunchy salad featuring broccoli, raisins and sunflower seeds.

Broccoli Raisin Salad

A quick and delicious salad that will be a hit at home or at a party.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups