Three Cheese Manicotti Recipe

Three Cheese Manicotti is a comforting Italian dish filled with a blend of three delicious cheeses, topped with marinara sauce and baked until bubbly. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion!

Three Cheese Manicotti Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Manicotti:
  • 12 manicotti pasta tubes
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Sauce:
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Manicotti:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook the manicotti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Fill the Manicotti:
   • Carefully fill each manicotti tube with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
   • Arrange the filled manicotti in the dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure the noodles are well covered.
5. Add Toppings:
   • Sprinkle the additional mozzarella cheese over the sauce. If desired, add Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Let the manicotti sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the manicotti in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
• Add Veggies: For added nutrition, consider mixing in some sautéed spinach or chopped mushrooms into the cheese filling.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

This Three Cheese Manicotti is a delightful dish that’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for any pasta lover! Enjoy!