Description
Cheesy Baked Manicotti with Marinara Sauce
This hearty, cheesy, and comforting baked manicotti is filled with a rich ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection! Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta & Filling:
12 manicotti pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Marinara Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
For Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil manicotti shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and let cool.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté onion & garlic until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Make the Ricotta Filling:
In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
Assemble the Manicotti:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, then arrange the filled pasta shells.
Top with more marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake to Perfection:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Enjoy this cheesy, delicious baked manicotti with a side of garlic bread or salad!
Would you like a meat-filled version or extra spice?