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Three-Cheese Manicotti with Marinara

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

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)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • 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.
  • Cook Pasta : Cook manicotti pasta tubes according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
  • 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.
  • Stuff the Manicotti : Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each manicotti tube with the cheese mixture.
  • Assemble in Baking Dish : Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-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.
  • Bake : Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Serve : Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.