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)

Refrigerator Pickled Cucumbers
Sliced cucumbers in mason jars with pickling brine.

Refrigerator Pickled Cucumbers

Make your own crispy pickles at home with this simple recipe.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 pint
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
Dried Bananas
Small bowls of sliced dried banana.

Dried Bananas

A simple recipe that is full of flavor and perfect for snacking!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
1 hour
Makes:
1 dried banana
Quick Tomato Salsa
Medium bowl of diced tomato salsa with cilantro.

Quick Tomato Salsa

Canned tomatoes and fresh herbs make a quick and flavorful salsa.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Roasted Vegetables
Plate of roasted thin whole carrots and brussels sprouts.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast your favorite vegetables with this simple recipe.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Orange Delight
Footed glass filled with a frothy orange juice drink.

Orange Delight

A cool and refreshing drink that is perfect a hot day.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups