Best Manicotti Recipe for a Classic Italian Dinner

If you’re craving comfort food with an Italian twist, this manicotti recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Packed with rich cheese, savory sauce, and perfectly tender pasta, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Keep reading to discover how easy it is to make this impressive meal right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 5 ounces fresh spinach chopped
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Slotted spoon or colander
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Spoon or piping bag
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom. I like to warm the sauce slightly before spreading to make it easier to layer.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook manicotti noodles for 6 to 7 minutes, just until they are pliable. Do not overcook — they should still hold their shape. Drain gently and arrange them on a baking sheet so they do not stick together.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not brown. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, around 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly before mixing into the cheese.
4. Prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, the egg, spinach and garlic mixture, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well distributed — the filling should be thick yet spreadable.
5. Fill the manicotti tubes. Using a piping bag or a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner cut off is the easiest method. You can also use a small spoon and gently nudge the filling in with your fingers. Take your time — this step is oddly relaxing.
6. Layer the filled shells in your baking dish. Nestle them side by side so they are snug but not cramped. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure each shell is covered to prevent drying out.
7. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Spread the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top. This creates that beautifully golden crust we all look forward to.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bubbles around the edge are irresistible. If you want extra browning, switch to broil for the final 2 minutes — just keep a close eye on it.
9. Let the manicotti sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart. Serve with a green salad or garlic bread for a cozy, complete meal.

Nutrition per serving

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

We hope you enjoyed this article about manicotti recipe! If you did, feel free to leave us a comment — we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if it’s not too much trouble, please pin this article or any of the images to Pinterest, and don’t forget to give the pin a like. It really helps us reach more readers and inspires us to create even better content for you!

Classic Baked Manicotti

Tender pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and herbs, nestled in fresh marinara sauce and topped with golden, bubbly cheese. This Italian comfort food is perfect for family dinners or gatherings and can be made ahead or frozen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 5 ounces fresh spinach chopped
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook manicotti noodles for 6-7 minutes until slightly softened but still firm. Drain and set aside to cool.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, egg, cooked spinach and garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.
• Spoon filling into each manicotti shell using a small spoon or piping bag.
• Place filled manicotti in a single layer in the prepared baking dish over the sauce. Pour remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the stuffed shells.
• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 22gFat: 22gSodium: 820mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g

Keyword manicotti, baked pasta, Italian, ricotta, vegetarian dinner, comfort food, spinach pasta

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!