Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty Italian dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with cheesy goodness, you’ve come to the right place. This Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple to prepare but feels like a restaurant-worthy dish. You won’t have to boil the pasta first, which makes the process so much easier, and the blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses baked in a rich tomato sauce comes out creamy, flavorful, and irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a kitchen staple for your family dinners.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe plays an important role—from the creamy cheeses to the robust spaghetti sauce. I like to use good-quality marinara or spaghetti sauce because it really boosts the flavor without extra effort.

• Manicotti pasta: Use the uncooked tubes to save time; they bake perfectly without boiling first.
• Spaghetti sauce: Choose a flavorful marinara for the best depth — homemade or store-bought both work great.
• Ricotta cheese: This is the base of your cheesy filling, so full-fat ricotta will give you the richest texture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Divided use here—half in the filling and half as a melty topping.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick that balances the milder ricotta nicely.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together for easy piping.
• Parsley flakes: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note; dried works fine and is convenient.
• Dried basil: Offers that classic Italian aroma and flavor.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the cheese filling just right.

Variations

I love how versatile the Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe is—you can easily mix things up based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. I’ve tried a few twists that my family really enjoyed, so feel free to personalize it!

• Spinach Manicotti: Adding cooked, chopped spinach to the cheese blend is a great way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing creaminess.
• Meaty Version: I’ve mixed in cooked Italian sausage or ground beef into the sauce to make it heartier, perfect for meat lovers.
• Herb Swaps: Try fresh basil or oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant, fresh flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and a gluten-free spaghetti sauce to suit dietary needs without compromising flavor.

How to Make Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cheesy Filling

Start by combining the ricotta cheese, half of your mozzarella, grated parmesan, lightly beaten egg, parsley flakes, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. I like to use a spatula to fold everything together until it’s smooth and evenly blended. This filling is the heart of your dish — take your time to make sure all ingredients are well incorporated so every bite has luscious, cheesy flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish and Pasta

Spread ½ cup of the spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. This prevents the manicotti from sticking and adds a base layer of saucy yum. Then, get your uncooked manicotti tubes ready. Here’s the trick I learned: piping the filling directly into the dry shells saves a ton of time and mess.

Step 3: Fill the Manicotti Shells

Spoon the cheese mixture into a large resealable plastic bag and seal it up. Carefully cut about ½ inch from one of the bottom corners of the bag to create a piping bag. Then gently pipe the filling into each end of the manicotti shells until they’re about half full. This prevents cracking or breaking, which I used to struggle with until I discovered piping works so much better than spooning.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Place each filled manicotti shell in the baking dish over your sauce layer. Once all shells are nestled in, pour the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly on top, making sure each shell is well covered. Cover the dish tightly with foil—this keeps the pasta moist while baking—and pop it in the oven at 350°F for 55 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Melted Mozzarella

After 55 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the manicotti. Return to the oven uncovered for an extra 5 minutes or so, just until the cheese is melted and golden. I promise, that bubbly cheese topper is totally worth the wait!

How to Serve Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the rich cheesiness. A dusting of extra parmesan is also a nice touch if you want to impress your guests.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this cheese manicotti bake with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread (because carbs on carbs are a win!). Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the creamy pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this for special occasions, I sometimes arrange the manicotti in a circular pattern and garnish with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes for a festive look. Serving in individual ramekins also adds a charming, elegant touch to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just cover it tightly to keep the pasta from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen assembled manicotti bakes (before baking) by tightly wrapping the baking dish with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—my family hadn’t noticed any difference in texture or taste!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. This prevents the cheese from drying out. You can also use a microwave, but the oven method keeps that just-baked texture best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe brings comfort and elegance right into my own kitchen with minimal fuss. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for anything from weeknight dinners to casual entertaining. If you want a cheesy, saucy, soul-warming meal that everyone in your family will gobble up, give this recipe a try—I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites just like it did for me!

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