Introduction

Three-Cheese Manicotti with Marinara is an indulgent, comforting Italian pasta dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Tender manicotti pasta tubes are stuffed with a rich and creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked in a luscious tomato marinara sauce until bubbling and golden.

This dish is a celebration of Italian flavors and textures, combining creamy cheese, tender pasta, and savory tomato sauce into every bite. It’s perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant holiday meals, and it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food. The creamy, cheesy filling feels luxurious, yet it’s balanced by the tangy, slightly sweet marinara sauce. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for cozy nights at home. The presentation is also beautiful, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Creamy & Cheesy: The ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan blend creates an irresistible filling.
• Flavorful: Marinara sauce adds a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays.
• Comforting: A hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy meals.
• Customizable: Can add spinach, herbs, or Italian sausage to elevate flavors.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~550–600 per serving (approximate)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 12 manicotti pasta tubes, cooked according to package instructions

For Topping

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the marinara sauce by sautéing onion and garlic, then simmering with sauce, basil, and seasonings.
3. Cook manicotti according to package directions; drain and cool slightly.
4. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper for the filling.
5. Stuff pasta tubes with cheese mixture.
6. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange filled manicotti on top. Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more until cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Marinara Sauce
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic for 1 minute.
   • Add marinara sauce, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook Pasta
   • Cook manicotti pasta tubes according to package directions until al dente.
   • Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
4. Prepare Cheese Filling
   • In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Stuff the Manicotti
   • Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each manicotti tube with the cheese mixture.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish
   • Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Arrange filled manicotti in the dish in a single layer.
   • Pour remaining sauce over the manicotti, ensuring they are well covered.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Bake
   • Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main course for dinner or a hearty lunch.
• Pair with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a piping bag to fill manicotti tubes more easily.
• Slightly undercook pasta if stuffing before baking to avoid over-softening.
• Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Let manicotti sit 5 minutes after baking before serving to set slightly.

Variations

• Spinach & Ricotta: Add 1 cup chopped fresh spinach to the cheese filling.
• Meaty Version: Mix cooked Italian sausage into the filling.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or marinara sauce.
• Cheesy Extra: Top with a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble manicotti in a freezer-safe dish before baking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to baking time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Skillet for marinara sauce
• Mixing bowl for filling
• Spoon or piping bag for stuffing pasta
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly; enhance with sautéed onions, garlic, or herbs for extra flavor.

Q2: Can I prepare manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free manicotti or pasta shells.

Q4: How do I prevent the pasta from breaking while stuffing?
Slightly undercook pasta according to package instructions. Cool slightly before filling.

Q5: Can I freeze cooked manicotti?
Yes, leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Reheat covered in the oven.

Conclusion

Three-Cheese Manicotti with Marinara is a classic, indulgent Italian dish that’s perfect for comfort food lovers. The combination of creamy cheeses, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce makes every bite delightful. Easy to prepare, customizable, and a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave a hearty, cheesy pasta dish.