12 Ultimate Baked Manicotti Recipes for Every Occasion

Baked manicotti is the quintessential Italian comfort food, featuring large pasta tubes stuffed with rich fillings and smothered in savory sauces. This collection offers twelve distinct variations, from the time-honored cheese classic to innovative modern twists like pumpkin sage and pesto chicken. Whether you are hosting a formal dinner or seeking a cozy weeknight meal, these recipes provide detailed steps to ensure perfectly cooked pasta and flavorful fillings every time.

Classic Three-Cheese Manicotti

The traditional favorite featuring a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese tucked into tender pasta shells and topped with a robust marinara.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• •1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• •1 large egg
• •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• •24 ounces marinara sauce

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

2. 2

   2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells for 7 to 9 minutes, or until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking.

3. 3

   3. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and parsley until thoroughly combined.

4. 4

   4. Spread approximately 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even base.

5. 5

   5. Using a small spoon or a piping bag without a tip, stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the dish.

6. 6

   6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

7. 7

   7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti

A vibrant and slightly lighter version of the classic, incorporating fresh sautéed spinach and a touch of nutmeg for an earthy flavor profile.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •10 ounces fresh spinach, sautéed and squeezed dry
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• •1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
• •24 ounces marinara sauce
• •2 cloves garlic, minced

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a rectangular baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.

2. 2

   2. Boil manicotti shells in salted water for about 8 minutes. Drain them and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent them from tearing.

3. 3

   3. In a skillet, sauté the garlic and spinach until wilted, then squeeze out every drop of excess moisture before chopping the spinach finely.

4. 4

   4. Combine the chopped spinach, ricotta, nutmeg, and half of the mozzarella in a medium mixing bowl, stirring until the greens are evenly distributed.

5. 5

   5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the dish. Stuff each shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture and align them side-by-side.

6. 6

   6. Top with the rest of the marinara and the remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

7. 7

   7. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to develop a light crust.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Hearty Beef and Cheese Manicotti

This protein-packed version includes seasoned ground beef mixed directly into the cheese filling for a more substantial meal.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •1 pound lean ground beef
• •1 small onion, finely diced
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •1 cup mozzarella cheese
• •24 ounces marinara sauce
• •1 teaspoon dried oregano

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the manicotti shells in boiling water for 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.

2. 2

   2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onions over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.

3. 3

   3. Once the beef has cooled slightly, mix it into a bowl with the ricotta, oregano, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

4. 4

   4. Coat the bottom of your baking pan with a layer of sauce. Fill each pasta tube with the beef and cheese mixture using a small spoon.

5. 5

   5. Arrange the stuffed tubes in the pan, cover with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.

6. 6

   6. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 15 minutes to ensure the meat is hot and the cheese is melted.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Italian Sausage Baked Manicotti

Zesty Italian sausage adds a kick of spice and deep savory notes to this robust family dinner staple.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• •1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
• •28 ounces crushed tomatoes with basil
• •1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Boil manicotti shells until al dente, usually about 8 minutes.

2. 2

   2. Brown the Italian sausage in a pan, breaking it into very small crumbles as it cooks. Drain the grease and let the meat cool.

3. 3

   3. In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, ricotta, parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

4. 4

   4. Spread a portion of the crushed tomatoes in the baking dish. Stuff the shells with the sausage mixture and lay them in the dish.

5. 5

   5. Cover the shells with the rest of the tomatoes and the mozzarella cheese.

6. 6

   6. Bake for 35 minutes total, removing the foil halfway through to let the cheese brown and the sauce thicken.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Chicken Alfredo Garlic Manicotti

A white-sauce alternative that swaps tomato for a rich, buttery garlic Alfredo sauce and tender shredded chicken.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •2 cups Alfredo sauce
• •1 cup mozzarella cheese
• •2 cloves garlic, minced
• •1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the manicotti shells for 8 minutes, drain, and set aside on a non-stick surface.

2. 2

   2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, and parmesan until well blended.

3. 3

   3. Pour about half a cup of the Alfredo sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

4. 4

   4. Fill each manicotti shell with the chicken-cheese mixture and place them neatly in the baking dish.

5. 5

   5. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells, ensuring they are completely covered to prevent the pasta from drying out.

6. 6

   6. Top with mozzarella and bake for 30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Four Cheese Gourmet Manicotti

An indulgent cheese-heavy dish combining ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and sharp provolone for maximum flavor depth.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •1 cup shredded mozzarella
• •1/2 cup grated parmesan
• •1/2 cup shredded provolone
• •1 egg, beaten
• •24 ounces marinara sauce

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Boil the manicotti pasta for 8 minutes and drain carefully.

2. 2

   2. Mix the ricotta, parmesan, provolone, and half of the mozzarella with the egg in a bowl until the mixture is uniform.

3. 3

   3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a glass baking dish. Stuff the shells with the four-cheese blend and arrange in the dish.

4. 4

   4. Top the shells with the rest of the marinara and the remaining mozzarella cheese.

5. 5

   5. Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for 15 more minutes until the cheese is sizzling.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Generating culinary visual...

Mushroom and Herb Manicotti

Earthy cremini mushrooms and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary create a sophisticated, savory vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •1 pound cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• •2 cloves garlic, minced
• •1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •24 ounces marinara sauce
• •1 cup mozzarella cheese

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook manicotti shells for 8 minutes, drain and cool.

2. 2

   2. Sauté the chopped mushrooms and garlic in a bit of olive oil until all moisture has evaporated and mushrooms are browned. Stir in fresh thyme.

3. 3

   3. Mix the mushroom mixture with the ricotta cheese in a medium bowl.

4. 4

   4. Put a layer of sauce in the baking dish. Stuff the pasta shells with the mushroom-ricotta filling and place in the dish.

5. 5

   5. Cover with the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Bake for 30 minutes total, uncovering for the final 10 minutes.

Pesto Chicken Basil Manicotti

Vibrant green pesto is swirled into the cheese filling and chicken for a fresh, herbaceous Italian feast.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• •1/2 cup basil pesto
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •1 cup mozzarella cheese
• •24 ounces marinara sauce

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the manicotti shells by boiling for 8 minutes and draining.

2. 2

   2. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta, and basil pesto until the filling is a uniform light green color.

3. 3

   3. Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Stuff the shells with the pesto-chicken mix.

4. 4

   4. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.

5. 5

   5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is hot throughout.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Spicy Arrabbiata Manicotti

For those who love heat, this recipe uses a spicy red pepper-infused marinara sauce to dress the cheese-filled shells.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •1 cup mozzarella cheese
• •24 ounces Arrabbiata (spicy) sauce
• •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• •1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook manicotti shells for 8 minutes and drain.

2. 2

   2. Combine the ricotta, parmesan, and extra red pepper flakes in a bowl for a spicy cheese filling.

3. 3

   3. Layer the bottom of the baking dish with half of the Arrabbiata sauce.

4. 4

   4. Fill the shells with the ricotta mixture and place them in the dish. Cover with the remaining spicy sauce and mozzarella.

5. 5

   5. Bake for 30 minutes, ensuring the sauce is bubbling before removing from the oven.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Roasted Garlic and Ricotta Manicotti

Sweet, mellow roasted garlic is mashed and blended into the cheese filling for a deep, aromatic flavor.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •1 head of garlic, roasted and mashed
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• •1 cup mozzarella cheese
• •24 ounces marinara sauce

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the manicotti shells for 8 minutes and drain.

2. 2

   2. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Mix this paste into the ricotta and parmesan.

3. 3

   3. Spread a layer of sauce in the pan. Stuff each shell with the roasted garlic cheese mixture.

4. 4

   4. Arrange in the pan, cover with the rest of the sauce and the mozzarella cheese.

5. 5

   5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the aromas are strong and the cheese is golden.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Pumpkin and Sage Autumn Manicotti

A seasonal delight featuring pumpkin puree and fried sage, creating a sweet and savory balance perfect for fall.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •1 cup pumpkin puree
• •1 cup ricotta cheese
• •1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• •10 fresh sage leaves, fried in butter
• •2 cups Alfredo sauce
• •1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Boil manicotti shells for 8 minutes, then drain.

2. 2

   2. Mix the pumpkin puree, ricotta, and nutmeg until smooth. Fold in half of the crumbled fried sage leaves.

3. 3

   3. Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the baking dish. Stuff the shells with the pumpkin mixture.

4. 4

   4. Top with the remaining Alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese. Arrange the remaining sage leaves on top.

5. 5

   5. Bake for 25 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the edges of the pasta are slightly crisp.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Garden Vegetable Medley Manicotti

A colorful dish packed with finely diced zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots for a nutritious and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• •8 ounces manicotti shells
• •1/2 cup zucchini, finely diced
• •1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• •15 ounces ricotta cheese
• •1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
• •24 ounces marinara sauce
• •1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook manicotti shells for 8 minutes, then drain.

2. 2

   2. Sauté the zucchini and bell peppers in olive oil for 5 minutes until tender. Let the vegetables cool.

3. 3

   3. Stir the cooked vegetables into the ricotta cheese along with half of the mozzarella.

4. 4

   4. Put a layer of sauce in the baking dish. Fill the shells with the vegetable-cheese mixture and arrange them.

5. 5

   5. Top with the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Bake for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted.

Click and save to Pinterest

Save

Wrapping Up

Mastering the art of baked manicotti opens up a world of culinary possibilities. We hope these twelve variations inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. Remember that the secret to a great manicotti is the balance between the creamy filling and the acidity of the sauce. Happy cooking!