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)

Whole-Wheat Spiced Pear Bread
Platter with slices of golden brown pear bread.

Whole-Wheat Spiced Pear Bread

The delicate taste of pear shines through in this lightly spiced and moist quick bread. Enjoy with breakfast or as a snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
1 loaf (16 slices)
Chunky Black Bean Dip
Ceramic bowl with bean dip served next to vegetable slices.

Chunky Black Bean Dip

Great appetizer or snack idea ready in as little as 10 minutes!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Roasted Cauliflower
Bowl of slightly browned baked cauliflower.

Roasted Cauliflower

Garlic and onion flavor this roasted cauliflower topped with tangy cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Harissa Spice Mix
Small bowl of a red spice mix.

Harissa Spice Mix

This homemade spice blend is great on meats and veggies.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 Tablespoons
Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes
Red potato, mushroom and green beans covered in a creamy herb sauce.

Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes

Warm and creamy dish that is on the table in 30 minutes. A great holiday dinner or potluck recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Sautéed Peppers
Bowl of tender bell pepper and onion slices.

Sautéed Peppers

These sauteed sweet peppers and onions are delicious enjoyed on their own, added to sandwiches or pasta, or with fajitas.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups