If you’re on the hunt for delicious and comforting family dinners, look no further! We’ve collected some of the best stuffed manicotti recipes out there to put something special on your dinner table.
With its mouth-watering combination of pasta shells stuffed with cheese, seafood, vegetables or a mixture of all three (just think: creamy ricotta mixed with spinach!), this is one recipe that won’t let you down.
Whether it’s for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, these famous classic Italian dishes are sure to please both children and adults alike! So without further ado – get ready *drum roll* — here are our top picks for the best manicotti-filled recipes around.
Contents
What Is Manicotti?
Manicotti is a type of Italian pasta typically made from either cornmeal or wheat, filled with cheese and/or other ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, seafood and vegetables.
The pasta is then boiled until al dente and then stuffed with the chosen filling before being topped with sauce and baked in the oven. It’s a delicious variation on the classic lasagna.
Classic Italian Manicotti Recipe
This classic Italian manicotti recipe is made with ricotta cheese, spinach and mushrooms, all rolled inside traditional pasta shells before being covered in a delicious marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden brown.
However, there are plenty of tasty stuffed Manicotti recipes and here is a list of mouthwatering recipes to try.
How to Stuff Manicotti
Stuffing Manicotti can be a bit tricky. The best way is to start by filling each pasta shell with the desired filling, then rolling them tightly and securing the ends with toothpicks or string.
Once all of the shells are stuffed, spread some sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and place the manicotti neatly in it.
Finally, pour the remaining sauce over the manicotti and bake in until they are golden brown and bubbling. Yummy!
What Sauce Goes With Manicotti?
The best sauce to use with Manicotti is typically a marinara or tomato-based sauce. Although, there are plenty of other delicious sauces you can try such as Alfredo sauce, pesto or béchamel.
And don’t forget lots of cheese! Mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese and shredded parmesan cheese! They all go well with Manicotti.
Cajun Spinach Stuffed Manicotti– Grandbaby-Cakes
This Cajun-style Spinach Stuffed Manicotti is not only to look at but delightful to eat!
A creamy mix of spinach, onions, garlic and cheese are stuffed inside noodle shells before being topped with a delicious homemade sauce. Add some zestiness to your dinner table with this unique twist on the classic dish.
Learn how to make Cajun Spinach Stuffed Manicotti here!
Turkey Burger Stuffed Manicotti– Premeditated Leftovers
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea, try this Turkey Burger Stuffed Manicotti Shells. Ground turkey is combined with bell peppers, onions and Italian herbs before being stuffed into manicotti shells.
The cheesy stuffing is completed with a luscious homemade sauce that will have your family begging for more.
Learn how to make Turkey Burger Stuffed Manicotti here.
Spinach Manicotti– Swanky Recipes
Satisfy your taste buds with this easy Spinach Manicotti. It’s a nutritious and delicious spin on the classic Italian dish!
The filling is made with a blend of spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese!
The stuffed manicotti shells are then smothered in marinara sauce. Get the recipe for Spinach Manicotti here!
Cheesy Mashed Potato Manicotti– The Pinterested Parent
Have you ever tried mashed potato and manicotti? ances are you haven’t, but this Cheesy Mashed Potato Manicotti is sure to surprise you!
The filling is made of mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. It’s then stuffed into the manicotti shells before being topped with a rich marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Learn how to make Cheesy Mashed Potato Manicotti here.
Manicotti Primavera– Good Life Eats
Manicotti Primavera is a fun and easy vegetarian dish that’s perfect for spring. Inside the manicotti shells you’ll find a blend of seasonal vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach.
The stuffed shells are then topped with a creamy cheese sauce before being sprinkled with shredded parmesan cheese and baked to perfection.
Get the ingredients for Manicotti Primaveratoday!
Pizza Manicotti– Meg’s Everyday Indulgence
Marinara-style flavors come alive with this delicious Pizza Manicotti! The cheesy filling is made of ricotta cheese, mozzarella and Italian sausage.
The stuffed manicotti shells are then topped with a luscious homemade marinara sauce and sprinkled with more shredded cheese! Who knew pizza could be stuffed into virtually anything?
Get this tasty recipe for Pizza Manicotti today!
Cheesy Manicotti– Salt and Lavender
If you love homemade manicotti then you’ll love this tasty Cheesy Manicotti dish.
Stuffed with ricotta mixture, parmesan and egg, this cheese mixture is divine and one that makes the manicotti noodles irresistible.
Cajun Spinach Stuffed Manicotti– Grandbaby-Cakes
Forget the store-bought marinara sauce! This filled manicotti ri recipe has different kinds of cheese that make the manicotti shell super tasty.
Mixed in is Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and a few surprise ingredients.
Get the recipe for Cajun Spinach Stuffed Manicotti here!
Lemon Chicken Manicotti– I Am Homesteader
Why not cook manicotti shells with delicious cheesy lemon and chicken mixture. The cottage cheese filling combined with chicken pieces and asparagus make this stuffed pasta taste pretty amazing!
Here are the ingredients needed for Lemon Chicken Manicotti.
Ham and Cheese Manicotti– Recipe Girl
Grab the casserole dish and prepare to make the best ham and cheese manicotti. These cheese-stuffed manicotti taste great with ham.
A little different to the original Italian recipe, these stuffed shells are filled with shredded mozzarella and ricotta. Then the remaining mozzarella cheese is melted on top for an extra cheesy weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe for Ham and Cheese Manicotti here.
Cheesy Pesto Manicotti– Girl With the Iron Cast
Grab the olive oil and tomato sauce and prepare to make this cheesy pesto manicotti. This manicotti recipe is an easy dish that’s sure to please any crowd.
The pesto-ricotta cheese mixture perfectly complements the cheesy mozzarella and parmesan sauce that tops this tasty dish.
The manicotti shells are filled with a combination of ricotta, basil pesto and pine nuts for added texture. Get the recipe for Cheesy Pesto Manicotti here.
Manicotti Stuffed with Pumpkin-Ricotta in Brown Butter-Sage Béchamel Sauce– Sense and Edibility
Stuffed with Pumpkin-Ricotta in Brown Butter-Sage Béchamel Sauce is a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
This savory dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds as it combines the sweetness of pumpkin, the tangy flavor of ricotta cheese and the nutty aroma of brown butter-sage béchamel
Learn how to make Manicotti Stuffed with Pumpkin-Ricotta in Brown Butter-Sage Béchamel Sauce today!
Crab Manicotti– The Brewer and the Baker
Have you ever tried seafood manicotti? If not why not give this crab-stuffed manicotti shells recipe a try?
The Manicotti mixture is made with an easy cream cheese filling that’s mixed with crabmeat and parmesan cheese for a succulent seafood meal.
The creamy béchamel sauce tops the manicotti before finishing it off with some extra cheese! Get this yummy Crab Manicotti recipe here.
Baked Manicotti with Prosciutto– Amanda’s Cookin
Baked Manicotti with Prosciutto is a tasty Italian dish made with fresh manicotti noodles filled with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, mushrooms and spinach.
All of these ingredients are layered in the manicotti shells before being smothered in tomato sauce and baked to perfection.
Get the recipe for this delicious Baked Manicotti with Prosciuttohere!
Mexican Chicken Manicotti– That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Unlike the traditional Italian recipe, Mexican manicotti is a great pasta dish for all those Latino food lovers. Manicotti is made with Mexican cheese, jalapeno peppers and chicken.
The cheesy cream filling also includes diced tomatoes, onions, garlic and cilantro for a flavorful kick.
Find out how to make this tasty Mexican Chicken Manicotti here!
Chicken Parmesan Manicotti– Like Mother Like Daughter
Here is another easy manicotti recipe stuffed with cheesy goodness and chicken. This manicotti is a delicious dish made with ricotta and parmesan, topped with marinara sauce and baked until golden brown.
The chicken pieces are added after the manicotti shells have been filled for extra protein-packed flavor. Get the recipe for Chicken Parmesan Manicotti here!
Italian Sausage and Cheese Baked Manicotti– South Your Mouth
This sausage and cheese baked manicotti is a tasty Italian dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. This easy-to-make recipe starts with an Italian sausage, cream cheese, mozzarella and parmesan filling.
The manicotti shells are filled with the cheesy mixture and then topped with marinara sauce and fresh basil.
Get the recipe for Italian Sausage and Cheese Baked Manicotti here!
You can also take leftover manicotti to work as a lunch treat or freeze manicotti for reheating another day!
Million Dollar Manicotti– Dinner Then Dessert
Million Dollar Manticotti is a cheesy, creamy pasta dish that’s sure to please. This impressive Italian meal is filled with ricotta and cream cheese as well as mozzarella parmesan and cheddar cheese.
The filling is wrapped in manicotti shells before baking in a hefty amount butter-sage béchamel sauce for
Get the recipe for Million Dollar Manicotti here!
Pesto Veggie Manicotti– Peas and Crayons
Move over and enjoy this Veggie Manicotti for dinner tonight. This delicious meatless manicotti dish is made with a creamy pesto sauce, zucchini and roasted red peppers.
The mixture is stuffed in manicotti shells before topping it off with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Get the recipe for Pesto Veggie Manicotti here.
How Long to Bake Manicotti at 350
You can cook Manicotti in no time at all by baking it at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown.
Be sure to preheat oven to 350 before you start cooking. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if the inside of the dish has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once your manicotti is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top each plate of manicotti with some extra grated cheese and fresh herbs for an even more delicious meal.
What to Serve With Manicotti?
Serve Manicotti with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad. A light soup is also a perfect side dish to accompany Manicotti.
To finish the meal, serve some hot garlic bread and a glass of red wine for an extra special treat!
Enjoy your delicious Manicotti creations! Bon Appetit!
Enjoy Cooked Manicotti in Many Ways
Manicotti can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even just a snack. Enjoy your cooked manicotti in many ways such as adding cooked sausage to the shells and it a hearty meal; topping the cooked manicotti with a fresh marinara sauce for an Italian favourite or enjoying them cold, straight out of the refrigerator.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your manicotti, it is sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love! Enjoy!
