Have you ever had stuffed manicotti? It’s a delicious Italian dish made with tubes of pasta filled with creamy cheese. This recipe is meatless, but you can add your favorite meat if you like. I’ve used ground beef, ground turkey, and even shredded chicken.

I highly recommend reading this entire post before you begin preparing the recipe. However, if all you want is the list of ingredients with full directions, please either click on the jump-to-recipe button above or scroll to the bottom of this post.

I used to order this when I went to Italian restaurants. Each time I tasted it, I thought about how easy it would be to make it. Today, I’m going to show you how to make it at home. Just as I thought, it’s really easy, and the results are mouthwateringly good. 

I actually made it for the first time a few years ago, and each time it gets easier. I’ve added and swapped out different ingredients numerous time. This is my favorite way to make it. When I say it’s easy, I’m not kidding. Read on, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Italian Inspired Comfort Food

If you’re in the mood for some Italian-inspired comfort food, look no further than this stuffed manicotti recipe. It will definitely satisfy your craving for something hearty and delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cheese that you may have lying around. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!

If you want to add meat, you’ll need to make 2 decisions. What kind of meat do you want to use? And do you want to add it to the cheese stuffing or marinara? That is completely up to you! You’ll also love the versatility of this dish. It’s an impressive dinner party dish, family meal, or game day food. It’s one of my favorite recipes to serve any time I’m entertaining.

Stuffed Manicotti Ingredients

All of the ingredients for this delicious dish are easy to find in any grocery store.

Here is what you’ll need:

• Manicotti pasta (regular or gluten-free)
• Pasta sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Egg, beaten
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt (regular table salt, kosher salt, or Himalayan sea salt)

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

If you prefer, you can use large pasta shells that are made for stuffing. You can also use either marinara from a jar or this homemade marinara sauce. For meat lovers, add some ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage to either the sauce or the stuffing. My family prefers the Italian sausage because it has the most flavor.

How to Make Stuffed Manicotti

This is super easy to make, but it does take a little bit of time and patience to stuff the pasta. First, preheat your oven to 375˚ F. Spray the bottom of an 8” x 8” or 7” x 11” baking pan. Now pour half of your pasta sauce into the bottom of the pan and spread it out evenly. Set it aside while you prepare the manicotti.

Boil enough water in a saucepan to cover the manicotti. After it starts a rolling boil, add the manicotti shells to the water. Cook it for about 4 minutes or until the pasta begins to soften. However, you don’t want it done, or it will be difficult to stuff.

Remove the manicotti and let it cool while you mix the stuffing ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix the egg, ricotta, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir it well.

Fill the cooled manicotti with the ricotta cheese mixture. There are several ways you can do this—with a pastry bag, plastic storage bag with a hole cutting the corner, or with a butter knife. The goal is to get the ricotta mixture into the pasta tubes with as little breakage as possible, so do it however is best for you. After you finish filling the manicotti, put it in the baking pan in a single layer.

Pour the rest of the sauce over the stuffed manicotti until it is completely covered.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Now cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns a light golden brown. Serve and enjoy!

How Long Does Stuffed Manicotti Last in the Refrigerator?

If you have leftover manicotti, save it for lunch the next day or so. Store it in an airtight container or plastic food storage bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze stuffed manicotti. Either wrap it in foil or put it in a freezer bag before putting it in the freezer. It should last for about a month.

Side Dishes to Serve with Stuffed Manicotti

There are so many delicious side dishes that go with stuffed manicotti, from your basic salad to Italian bread. Here are some things I like to serve with manicotti:

Watermelon Cucumber Salad – The cool cucumber and refreshing watermelon come together in a delightful way to balance out filling stuffed manicotti.

Broccoli Slaw – Add some color, lots of nutrition, and a boatload of flavor to your meal with this yummy broccoli slaw.

Greek Olive and Feta Salad – Add another element of Mediterranean flavor to your meal with an olive and feta salad that is sure to have people asking for more.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts – You can’t go wrong with these delicious Brussels sprouts that have been roasted to perfection.

Dinner Rolls – These dinner rolls from Back to My Southern Roots are easy to make and impressive alongside a dinner of stuffed manicotti.

Cloud Bread – For those who want something light, fluffy, and gluten-free, offer some cloud bread. You’ll be amazed by how good this is!

Desserts That Go with Stuffed Manicotti

Don’t forget about dessert. After a delicious meal of stuffed manicotti and whatever sides you choose, finish off with a delicious sweet treat.

Here are some wonderful desserts that are all easy to make:

3-Ingredient Lemon Bars – Quick, easy, and so delicious, these lemon bars are the perfect finish to any Italian-inspired meal.

Pineapple Dump Cake – If you like the flavor of pineapple, you’ll want to give this dessert a special place in your recipe box. It’s delicious with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or all by itself.

Butterscotch Pecan Cookies – Sweet, nutty, and so delicious, these butterscotch pecan cookies are a great way to finish off any meal. No one has to know how easy they are to make!

No-Bake Pineapple Pie – This ice box pie is a delicious treat after any meal! And it’s easier to make than you might think!

Perfect for Meatless Monday

Whether you embrace meatless Monday or you enjoy vegetarian meals, this stuffed manicotti is perfect! Add a side salad, your favorite bread, and dessert, and your family will leave the table full and happy!

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