Comfort Food Bliss: Easy Cheesy Manicotti Recipe

This Easy Cheesy Manicotti Recipe will have you savoring every bite. A dish made of tender manicotti noodles stuffed with a creamy ricotta-spinach filling, smothered in marinara, and topped with gooey melted cheeses—what’s not to love? It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make, even on a busy weeknight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beginner-Friendly: You don’t have to be a pro to nail this dish! With straightforward steps, even first-time manicotti makers will breeze through it.
• Cheesy Perfection: Let’s be honest—cheese makes everything better, and this recipe packs a triple-cheese punch with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Family Favorite: A super satisfying dinner that the whole family will adore, whether for a Sunday gathering or a Wednesday dinner rush.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to vegetarian preferences, or mix in different proteins and veggies for a weekday twist.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this irresistible manicotti dish, with a sprinkle of tips to make your cooking process a breeze:

• Manicotti Noodles: The foundation of this dish. Cook them just under al-dente to avoid breaking while filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy perfection for the filling—don’t skimp on quality here!
• Eggs: These act as a binder to keep the filling nice and cohesive.
• Nutmeg: Adds a touch of warmth and depth of flavor. Trust me, it’s subtle but makes a difference.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors of the filling—don’t skip the seasoning.
• Chopped Spinach: Adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients. Frozen spinach works great—just make sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry to avoid a watery filling.
• Shredded Cheese Trio (Provolone, Mozzarella, Parmesan): Use these for layering the dish with melty goodness. Provolone brings mild sharpness; mozzarella adds gooeyness; Parmesan finishes with a salty kick.
• Marinara Sauce: The base of the dish. Use your favorite store-bought marinara or make a quick homemade one if you’re feeling fancy.
• Parsley: A handful of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the final dish.

Variations

Let your creative juices flow! Here are some ideas to make this cheesy manicotti your own:

• Add a Protein: Mix some crumbled cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken into the ricotta filling.
• Go Veggie-Heavy: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
• Swap the Cheese: Don’t have provolone? Substitute with fontina or gouda for a different cheesy twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free manicotti shells for a celiac-friendly version!

How to Make Easy Cheesy Manicotti

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your manicotti noodles 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. This keeps them sturdy and prevents them from falling apart later. Transfer them carefully to an oiled baking sheet to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk together the ricotta, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until creamy. In a larger bowl, combine this mixture with thawed spinach and ¾ of your shredded cheeses. Stir everything together to create a thick, cheesy filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Pour half of your marinara sauce into a 9” x 13” baking dish to create a saucy base. Fill a gallon-sized freezer bag with the ricotta mixture, snip off the corner, and carefully pipe the filling into both ends of each manicotti shell. Lay them in a single layer on top of the sauce.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Spoon the rest of the marinara sauce over the filled manicotti, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover loosely with foil (spray it with non-stick spray to keep the cheese from sticking) and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes. For that irresistible golden-brown top, uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Overcooking the Noodles: Slightly undercooked pasta is easier to handle and ensures perfect texture once baked.
• Make the Filling Perfectly Smooth: Mix everything evenly to prevent any clumps of unseasoned ricotta.
• Use a Freezer Bag for Piping: This is your mess-free ticket to neatly filled pasta tubes!
• Let it Rest: Let the manicotti sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up and make serving easier.

How to Serve

Pair this easy cheesy manicotti with some equally delicious sides to complete your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Toasty, buttery bread is practically mandatory for mopping up the extra sauce!
• Simple Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich pasta.
• Delicious Garnishes: Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a restaurant-like presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they sit!

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly! Assemble everything up to the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use cannelloni instead of manicotti?
Yes, absolutely! Cannelloni is similar in shape to manicotti and will work just as well.

2. What if my noodles tear while boiling?
No problem! Simply piece them back together while arranging in the dish, or overlap the torn edges while filling.

3. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Definitely! Quickly sauté chopped fresh spinach until wilted, then let it cool and drain any excess water before mixing into the ricotta.

4. How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil?
Spray the foil with non-stick spray or lightly coat it with olive oil before covering the dish. This keeps the cheese protected and melty, not messy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Manicotti recipe is your go-to dish when you want something comforting yet fuss-free. Packed with creamy filling, flavorful marinara, and cheesy goodness, it’s guaranteed to impress for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. So, grab your ingredients, get filling, and prepare to dive into cheesy bliss. You’ll absolutely love it!

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