The Best Cheese Manicotti

Close-up shot of three stuffed manicotti shells on a small plate.

5 from 4 votes

This easy recipe for The Best Cheese Manicotti will change your life! This beloved dish is made with four cheeses, marinara sauce, and tender pasta. It’s sure to be a family favorite!

Prep Time15

Cook Time40

Total Time1

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: italian recipes, pasta bake, stuffed manicotti

Servings:

Calories: 474kcal

Author: Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

Ingredients

1 package (8-ounces) manicotti shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 egg, whisked
4 cups marinara sauce, divided
chopped basil or parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350˚F.
Prepare a 9x13 baking dish (or similar) and pour in 1 cup of the marinara sauce to evenly coat the bottom.
Cook the manicotti according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. They should still be firm enough for you to handle.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, provolone, parmesan, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, black pepper, spinach, and egg.
Using a piping bag or a spoon, stuff the manicotti with the cheese mixture.
Place the manicotti in the baking dish and repeat until the dish is full. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Garnish with basil or parsley and serve.

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