Easy Manicotti
A delightful combination of cheesy goodness wrapped in tender pasta shells, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta and Filling
- 8 pieces manicotti shells Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional) Use if preferred.
- 1 lb ground meat (optional) Choose aged beef or turkey for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce Can be substituted with Alfredo or pesto sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions, then drain and cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, cottage cheese, spinach (if using), cooked meat (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the filling into each manicotti shell.
Baking
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and top with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.