Baked Manicotti with Marinara Sauce
Tender pasta tubes generously stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, smothered in a rich marinara sauce, and baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. A comforting Italian-American classic perfect for a family dinner.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp of salt. Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions, but undercook them by 2 minutes so they remain al dente. Carefully drain the shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the marinara sauce
- a.Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it gently simmer for at least 20-25 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- 4
In a large bowl, prepare the filling
- a.Combine the ricotta cheese, thoroughly squeezed spinach, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the beaten egg, the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic, chopped parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 0.75 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- 5
Assemble the manicotti
- a.Spread about 1.5 cups of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Transfer the ricotta filling to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the filling into each cooked manicotti shell and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells, ensuring they are completely covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes
- a.Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 8
Remove from the oven and let the manicotti rest for 10 minutes before serving
- a.This allows it to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To prevent manicotti shells from tearing, handle them gently and use a piping bag for filling. A spoon can easily rip the delicate pasta.
- 2Squeezing every last drop of water from the thawed spinach is the most critical step for a creamy, not watery, filling. Use your hands or a cheesecloth.
- 3For a richer, more complex sauce, add a splash of red wine after sautéing the garlic and let it cook off for a minute before adding the tomatoes.
- 4The dish can be fully assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when you're ready to cook.
- 5Don't overfill the shells. They will expand slightly during baking, and overstuffing can cause them to burst.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Meat
Brown 1/2 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage with the onions and garlic, then add it to the marinara sauce or mix it into the ricotta filling for a heartier dish.
Cheese BlendCheese Blend
Enhance the flavor by swapping some of the mozzarella with shredded provolone or fontina cheese. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta filling to complement the cheeses.
Vegetable PackedVegetable-Packed
Finely dice and sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or red bell peppers and mix them into the ricotta filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for a significant kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Excellent Source of Calcium
Dairy products like ricotta and mozzarella are packed with calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting proper nerve and muscle function.
Contains Antioxidant Lycopene
The marinara sauce, made from cooked tomatoes, is a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides B Vitamins
The cheese and egg in the filling are good sources of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
Baked Manicotti is a hearty and satisfying meal rich in protein and calcium from the cheese. However, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. To make it healthier, you can use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.