Three-Cheese Manicotti Recipe

 There’s something so comforting about a dish straight out of the oven, bubbling with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce. Three-Cheese Manicotti is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With tender pasta shells stuffed with a heavenly blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, smothered in marinara sauce, this dish is guaranteed to win over any crowd. Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe will make everyone come back for seconds. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional for a richer flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Dish:

• 12 manicotti shells
• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Manicotti Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook them until they are slightly undercooked (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). This prevents the shells from becoming mushy when baked later. Once finished, drain the shells and rinse them gently with cool water. Set them aside on a tray to avoid sticking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the pasta cooks, whisk together the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses in a large mixing bowl. Add in the eggs, garlic, parsley, basil (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This cheesy filling is what makes the dish shine!

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a splash of olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 4: Fill the Manicotti

The easiest (and tidiest!) way to fill manicotti shells is by using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Simply spoon the cheese mixture into the bag and pipe it into each shell until full. If you don’t have a bag, a small spoon will work too, though it may take a bit longer.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Spread about 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Once all the shells are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure each shell is covered to prevent them from drying out. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the sauce for that irresistible melted cheese topping.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For an extra touch, broil it on high for 1–2 minutes at the very end to get a lightly crisp, browned top.

Step 7: Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with a simple green salad and some warm, crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
   Slightly undercooking the shells ensures they hold up during the baking process and absorb the flavorful marinara sauce without becoming overly soft.

2. Make It Ahead
   You can assemble the manicotti a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before baking or add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

3. Customize Your Fillings
   Want to sneak in some veggies? Add a handful of sautéed spinach or chopped cooked mushrooms to the cheese mixture. Feel free to mix in some Italian sausage crumbles or ground beef for a heartier version.

4. Use Fresh Herbs
   Fresh basil and parsley take this dish to another level. If you have access to fresh herbs, use them generously to boost the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Three-Cheese Manicotti is the ultimate combination of cheesy, hearty, and comforting. It’s an impressive dish that's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging in some Italian-inspired flavors, this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen pro. Try it today, and watch it become a regular favorite in your home! Buon appetito!