If there is one dish that combines comforting tradition with creamy, cheesy delight, it has to be the Classic Manicotti with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Marinara Recipe. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, featuring tender pasta tubes filled with a luscious blend of ricotta and mozzarella, all smothered in vibrant, herb-infused marinara sauce. Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or want to impress guests with Italian flair, this recipe brings warmth, richness, and irresistible flavor to your table every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a dish as timeless and satisfying as Classic Manicotti with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Marinara Recipe, choosing simple yet quality ingredients makes all the difference. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma that defines this incredible meal.
- Manicotti Pasta Tubes: Large tubes designed specifically for stuffing, they hold the filling beautifully and deliver satisfying pasta bite.
- Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta gives a creamy, rich texture that is the heart of the filling.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds meltiness and gooey cheesiness with a mild flavor that everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, savory kick to deepen the overall flavor profile.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the cheese filling together perfectly without sogginess.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped for fragrant, fresh herbal notes that brighten the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds both vibrant green color and a hint of fresh earthiness.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced to infuse depth and savory richness.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the filling and sauce.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, warm spice element to balance the richness.
- Marinara Sauce: Four cups of your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce to envelop and complement the pasta.
- Olive Oil: A final drizzle enhances the flavor and helps achieve that gorgeous baked finish.
How to Make Classic Manicotti with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Marinara Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for baking that deliciously bubbly dish. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the manicotti tubes just until al dente, about 6-7 minutes, so they’ll finish cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle when filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the creamy ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, egg, fresh chopped basil, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, rich cheese mixture bursting with flavor and with herbs folded evenly throughout every spoonful.
Step 3: Fill the Manicotti Tubes
Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the luscious cheese mixture. This part is so satisfying because you can see the cheese nest inside each pasta tube, preparing it for the cozy marinara bath it’s about to take.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish to stop the pasta from sticking and add immediate flavor. Then, neatly arrange your stuffed manicotti in a single layer. Pour the remainder of the marinara sauce on top, smoothing it to cover every nook and cranny. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauced pasta for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Drizzle olive oil over the assembled dish to keep the top beautifully golden and to add a touch of fruity richness. Cover the dish with foil to allow the filling to heat through without drying out. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, creating a gorgeous crust that you know is going to taste amazing.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let your dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling to set slightly, making every bite wonderfully cohesive and smooth. It’s a perfect excuse to prepare plates, set the table, or simply inhale the incredible aromas filling your kitchen.
How to Serve Classic Manicotti with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Marinara Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a bright pop of color and fresh aroma right before serving. For a final touch, toss on some extra grated Parmesan or drizzle a bit more olive oil for that warm, silky finish that will make your guests’ eyes light up.
Side Dishes
Classic manicotti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a chewy baguette serve as perfect vehicles to scoop up any leftover sauce, making your meal even more indulgent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your family or friends, consider serving individual manicotti tubes in shallow bowls with a drizzle of bright pesto or a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes sprinkled on top for a colorful twist. You can also layer the manicotti in a casserole style, turning it into a lasagna-inspired bake that’s perfect for larger gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Classic Manicotti with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Marinara Recipe leftovers will keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for easy lunches or reheated dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze the manicotti before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a bit more time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying, until warm throughout. Microwaving works too, but baking helps bring back that freshly baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil manicotti pasta for this recipe?
While traditional manicotti pasta calls for boiling before stuffing, no-boil versions can work if you adjust the baking time and ensure there is enough sauce to cook the pasta through. Just be sure to follow your pasta package instructions carefully.
What can I substitute for ricotta if I can’t find it?
Cottage cheese is a decent substitute if blended smooth, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. For a richer option, mixing cottage cheese with a bit of cream cheese can mimic ricotta’s creaminess.
Is this Classic Manicotti with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Marinara Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just make sure to use a marinara sauce without animal-derived ingredients and Parmesan cheese labeled as vegetarian or use a vegetarian-friendly hard cheese alternative.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes, you can incorporate cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey into the filling mixture for a heartier version. Brown the meat first and allow it to cool before mixing with the cheeses and herbs.
How can I make the sauce from scratch?
A homemade marinara sauce is simple and adds a fresh, vibrant flavor. Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar, then simmer until thickened. It’s well worth the effort!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting classic that never fails to deliver heartfelt satisfaction, give this Classic Manicotti with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Marinara Recipe a try. Its creamy, cheesy filling combined with rich marinara sauce warms both the body and soul. Once you make it, it will certainly become one of your go-to dishes for family dinners or special occasions. You’re in for a truly delicious Italian experience!
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Classic Manicotti with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Marinara Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Manicotti is a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring large pasta tubes filled with a creamy ricotta and herb mixture, layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This traditional recipe is perfect for a hearty family meal and showcases the rich flavors of fresh herbs, cheeses, and garlic baked to bubbly, golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12–14 tubes Manicotti Pasta (Large pasta tubes designed for filling)
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (Whole milk ricotta for a rich texture)
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Use whole milk mozzarella for best results, divided)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutty flavor that enhances the dish, divided)
- 1 large Egg (Helps bind the filling together)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (Chopped for flavor)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped for color and flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust according to taste)
Sauce & Finish
- 4 cups Marinara Sauce (Store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Drizzle over assembled manicotti)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the manicotti once assembled.
- Cook the Pasta Tubes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti tubes and cook for 6-7 minutes until they are al dente. Drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and well blended.
- Fill the Manicotti Tubes: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring they are filled generously but without breaking the tubes.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble the Manicotti: Arrange the filled manicotti tubes in a single layer over the sauce in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the top of the assembled dish. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the manicotti from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese if desired for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a smoother filling, use whole milk ricotta cheese.
- Fresh herbs like basil and parsley enhance the flavor significantly; avoid dried if possible.
- Be careful not to overcook the manicotti tubes to prevent breakage when filling.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
