Ultimate Easy Cheese Manicotti: A Perfect Budget-Friendly Stuffed Pasta Recipe
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Pasta holds a special place in my heart, and I confess to being a true pasta enthusiast. While I adore it in all its wonderful forms, my absolute favorite is when it’s generously stuffed with copious amounts of rich, creamy cheese. This Easy Cheese Manicotti recipe stands out as a simplified and incredibly budget-friendly alternative to more complex baked pasta dishes. It delivers all the comforting flavors you crave in a classic Italian-American meal without breaking the bank or requiring hours in the kitchen.
Imagine tender pasta shells overflowing with a savory blend of ricotta and mozzarella, all swimming in a vibrant marinara sauce, then baked to golden perfection. This dish is not just delicious; it’s a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you need a comforting hug in a bowl. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping, ensuring you have delicious leftovers ready to enjoy.
Simple Ingredients for an Authentic Easy Cheese Manicotti
One of the best aspects of this easy cheese manicotti recipe is its reliance on readily available and affordable ingredients. You don’t need a gourmet pantry to whip up this impressive and flavorful dish. Each component plays a vital role in creating that irresistible combination of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness that manicotti is known for.
- Manicotti Pasta: These large, tube-shaped pasta shells are designed specifically for stuffing. While they might seem intimidating, preparing them is straightforward, and the result is incredibly satisfying.
- Ricotta Cheese: The heart of the filling, ricotta provides a wonderfully creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. For the best results, opt for whole milk ricotta, as it’s richer and less watery.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce is key. You can use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience, or if you have a homemade recipe, that works beautifully too. Choose a sauce with a robust tomato flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: This is what gives manicotti that delightful gooey, stretchy cheese pull. We use it both in the filling and generously sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Shredded mozzarella is ideal for quick melting.
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth to the cheese filling. It’s a fundamental flavor in Italian cuisine.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These dry seasonings enhance the overall savory profile of the filling, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. They provide a consistent taste throughout.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning brings classic Mediterranean flavors to the cheese mixture, complementing the marinara beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in both the pasta and the cheese filling.
- Pepper: A touch of black pepper adds a subtle warmth and mild spice, rounding out the seasoning in the ricotta mixture.
Crafting Your Delicious Easy Cheese Manicotti: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making stuffed pasta might seem a little daunting if it’s your first time, but I assure you, it’s much simpler than it appears. Don’t let the thought of filling individual pasta shells deter you; with a few clever tricks, you’ll find the process smooth and enjoyable. I’m here to guide you through each step, ensuring your easy cheese manicotti turns out perfectly every time.
1. Prepare Your Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
The first phase involves getting your manicotti pasta ready and creating that luscious cheese filling. Proper preparation is key to a successful and stress-free cooking experience.
Start by boiling the manicotti pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Be careful not to overcook it, or your pasta shells might become too soft and mushy during baking, making them difficult to fill and handle. Once cooked, drain the pasta immediately. I personally find this strainer incredibly convenient for draining pasta efficiently and safely.
While the pasta is cooling slightly, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the rich cheese filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed. The goal is a uniform, creamy mixture. For optimal results, ensure your ricotta is not overly watery; if it is, you can drain some excess liquid by placing it in a fine-mesh sieve for a few minutes. I rely on these durable and versatile glass bowls, which come in a variety of sizes perfect for all my prep needs.
2. Fill and Assemble: The Art of Stuffed Pasta
This stage is often considered the most “frustrating” part of making manicotti, but let me assure you, it doesn’t need to be perfect to taste absolutely delicious! The key is a simple technique that makes the filling process much easier.
Before you begin filling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your baking dish. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. Pour about half of your marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the greased dish. This layer of sauce prevents the pasta from sticking and helps create a moist, flavorful base.
Now for the filling! The absolute easiest and cleanest way to fill manicotti shells is by using a piping bag, or more simply, a large plastic Ziploc bag. Transfer the entire cheese mixture into the Ziploc bag, pushing it towards one corner. Snip off a small corner of the bag (about half an inch) to create an opening. This makeshift piping bag allows you to neatly and efficiently pipe the cheese mixture directly into each manicotti tube. Trust me on this: attempting to fill the pasta with a spoon will be a much slower and messier process, leading to unnecessary frustration. Taking this extra step to use a bag will save you time and effort.
Once filled, carefully arrange each manicotti shell side by side in a single layer within the prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if they touch; that’s perfectly fine! Once all the manicotti are nestled in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over everything. This top layer of cheese will melt into a beautiful, golden crust.
3. Bake to Perfection: The Grand Finale
With all your hard work of preparing and assembling complete, it’s time for the oven to work its magic. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know your manicotti is done when the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the mozzarella cheese on top is beautifully melted, golden, and slightly bubbly. If you prefer a darker, crispier cheese topping, you can turn on the broiler for the last minute or two, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Once baked, remove the manicotti from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheeses to set slightly and the pasta to absorb more of the delicious sauce, making it easier to serve. Serve it up hot with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Tips and Variations for Your Easy Cheese Manicotti
This basic recipe for easy cheese manicotti is incredibly versatile, allowing for various customizations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can easily incorporate cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken into the cheese filling. Ensure any meat is fully cooked and drained of excess fat before mixing.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or the marinara sauce.
- Herb Power: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or oregano can significantly boost the flavor. Stir them into the cheese mixture or sprinkle them over the top before baking.
- Vary the Cheese: While ricotta and mozzarella are classics, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A touch of Parmesan, Asiago, or even a creamy goat cheese can add new dimensions of flavor to the filling.
- Vegetable Boost: Finely chopped spinach (squeezed dry), sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers can be folded into the cheese mixture for added nutrients and texture.
- Make Ahead: Manicotti is an excellent make-ahead dish. Assemble the entire dish (without baking) and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes prior to baking and then bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still very cold.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the manicotti in a freezer-safe baking dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply place the covered dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-75 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Uncover for the last 15-20 minutes to brown the cheese.
More Delightful & Budget-Friendly Pasta Recipes
If you loved this easy cheese manicotti and are looking for more affordable yet delicious pasta dishes, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic recipes that promise great taste without straining your budget:
- Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta: A rich and savory pasta dish that’s surprisingly simple to make.
- Vegetable Pasta: A vibrant and healthy option packed with fresh veggies and delightful flavors.
- Baked Ziti: Another classic baked pasta that’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for feeding a family.
Easy Cheese Manicotti
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Ingredients
- 8 oz manicotti pasta
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese , (more if you like it cheesy)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175°C).
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add in the manicotti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and a creamy filling is formed. For easier filling, transfer this cheese mixture into a large Ziploc bag and snip off a small hole (about ½ inch) from one corner of the bag.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Using the Ziploc bag, pipe approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture into each manicotti shell. Place each filled manicotti side-by-side in the prepared baking dish. Once all shells are filled and arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and then sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Enjoy your homemade manicotti!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.