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 Bars
Baked Apple Bars with oatmeal crumble on top are displayed on a platter.

Apple Bars

A comforting apple bar with an easy crust, spiced apple filling and crumble topping.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 bars
Greens with Carrots
Plate of kale and carrot strips with dressing.

Greens with Carrots

A fresh and crunchy salad using your favorite greens.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes
Platter of potatoes stuffed with beans, corn, salsa and sprinkled with melted cheese.

Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes

Potatoes are topped with southwest-style toppings for a simple and tasty microwave meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 potato halves
Magical Fruit Salad
Footed glass dish with a creamy fruit salad. 

Magical Fruit Salad

This 3-ingredient fruit salad is a fun and delicious way to add more fruit to your day!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Wheat Berry Salad
Bowl of wheat berries with a colorful vegetable mix.

Wheat Berry Salad

Whole grains and fresh vegetables make this salad filling and satisfying.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread
Slices of moist zucchini bread.

Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread

A warm and tasty sweet treat that’s packed with veggies, warm cinnamon and crunchy nuts.
Prepare:
15 to 20 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
16 slices