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Serving Cheese Manicotti out of a baking dish

Cheese Manicotti

Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Cheese manicotti, Cheese Manicotti recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 588 kcal
Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

  • 1, 8 ounce box manicotti approx. 12 pieces
  • 1, 16- ounce container ricotta cheese full fat, not lowfat
  • 1, 8- ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese about 2 1/4 cups, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 heaping tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
  • 2 heaping tablespoons chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 1/2 cups jarred marinara sauce from about 1 1/2, 24-ounce jars

Instructions

  1. Cook manicotti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al-dente. 
Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9”x13” baking dish with cooking spray (or oil).
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 cup grated 
parmesan, egg, lemon zest, parsley, basil, italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Transfer 
the cheese filling into a gallon ziplock, seal and set aside for later.
  4. Spread 2 cups of sauce onto the bottom of the prepared pan pan.
  5. Cut 1⁄2’ off the corner of the ziplock with the cheese filling. Use the ziplock as a piping 
bag to easily fill each manicotti with the cheese filling. Then, place each filled manicotti 
into the prepared pan.
  6. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle remaining 1 1⁄4 cup mozzarella cheese 
and remaining 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan over the top of the sauce.
  7. Cover the pan with a piece of parchment paper (to prevent sticking), then with a piece of 
foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the pan and bake for an additional 15 minutes. 
Turn the heat to 425°F for the last 5 minutes to get the cheese extra bubbly and golden!
  8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving!

Recipe Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.

Can easily be prepared in advance, cooled and stored in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F covered until warmed through (maybe 10-15 minutes), then uncovered for 5 minutes at 425°F to make cheese bubbly again!

Nutrition Facts
Cheese Manicotti
Amount Per Serving
Calories 588 Calories from Fat 261
% Daily Value*
Fat 29g45%
Saturated Fat 17g106%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 151mg50%
Sodium 1667mg72%
Potassium 715mg20%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 1599IU32%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 651mg65%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.