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5.0 from 261 votes

Manicotti Recipe

This manicotti recipe is Italian sausage with three kinds of cheese, stuffed into pasta then covered with sauce and baked to perfection. A comfort food classic that's great for feeding a large crowd!

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 612 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the filling
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage hot or mild, casings removed
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic 
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
For assembly
  • 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 12 manicotti shells
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • cooking spray

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9"x13" baking dish with cooking spray.
For the filling
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the sausage in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces.
  2. Add the onions to the pan. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until onions are softened and sausage is browned and cooked through.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat.
  4. Place the ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the meat mixture to the ricotta mixture. Stir until well mixed.
For assembly
  1. Cook the manicotti in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions state. Drain and cool slightly.
  2. Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the pan.
  3. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each manicotti with the meat and cheese mixture.
  4. Arrange the manicotti in a single layer in the pan. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top.
  5. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.
  6. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.

Notes

  • It's best to slightly undercook your pasta. Firmer pasta is easier to fill, and it will continue to cook and soften as it bakes in the oven.
  • I use a store bought marinara sauce to keep prep time to a minimum. Choose your favorite high quality sauce. I typically use Rao's or Newman's Own brands.
  • This dish can be assembled up to 8 hours before you plan to bake it. Cover and store in the fridge, then bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time to compensate for starting with a chilled dish.

Nutrition Information

Calories 612kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 35g (70%) Fat 38g (58%) Saturated Fat 22g (110%) Cholesterol 163mg (54%) Sodium 784mg (33%) Potassium 676mg (19%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1178IU (24%) Vitamin C 10mg (11%) Calcium 522mg (52%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 612

% Daily Value*

Calories 612kcal 31%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 35g 70%
Fat 38g 58%
Saturated Fat 22g 110%
Cholesterol 163mg 54%
Sodium 784mg 33%
Potassium 676mg 14%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 1178IU 24%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 522mg 52%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.