The Best Italian Manicotti

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with "The Best Italian Manicotti," a crowd-pleasing classic that's as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Tender manicotti shells are filled with a luxurious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, delicately seasoned with fresh parsley and oregano for an authentic touch. Smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella, this baked pasta dish is a hearty, cheesy masterpiece perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With just 25 minutes of prep and baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe is ideal for anyone craving a homemade Italian favorite that's guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti shells
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 pieces large eggs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and gently toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 5

Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the filled shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure each is well coated.

Step 7

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 8

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1367.1 grams (1367.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3720

Total Fat 151.30g	194%
Saturated Fat 80.50g	403%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 873mg	291%
Sodium 4698mg	204%
Total Carbohydrate 394.10g	143%
Dietary Fiber 16.00g	57%
Total Sugars 11.30g
Protein 210.10g	420%

Vitamin D 80IU	400%
Calcium 4429mg	341%
Iron 12mg	65%
Potassium 1163mg	25%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.0%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 41.7%