If you are a fan of rich, cheesy Italian comfort food, then you are going to absolutely adore this Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe. It’s a beautiful symphony of tender pasta tubes stuffed with a luscious, herby ricotta mixture, all smothered in savory marinara and topped with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan. This dish transforms simple pantry ingredients into a show-stopping, soul-warming feast that feels like a big, loving hug served on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family night or impressing guests, this Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe plays an important role, contributing layers of flavor and delightful textures. From creamy ricotta to fresh basil and robust marinara, these simple but essential components come together like an Italian masterpiece.
- Manicotti shells: These tubular pasta shells are perfect for stuffing and soaking up all the delicious flavors inside and out.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle to keep the cooked shells from sticking and to add a touch of richness.
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of the filling, giving every bite that smooth, indulgent texture.
- Garlic cloves: Minced or grated for a punch of aromatic, savory goodness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and melty magic both inside the filling and on top for that golden crust.
- Parmesan cheese: Divided between the filling and topping, it brings a salty, nutty depth.
- Fresh basil: Bright and herbaceous, lifting the richness of the cheese with every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly and balance all the flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch to add warmth and complexity to the filling.
- Large eggs: To bind the cheese mixture together for a creamy, yet firm texture.
- Marinara sauce: Either homemade or store-bought, it blankets the pasta with vibrant tomato flavor and moisture.
- Non-stick oil spray: To prepare your baking dish and foil for mess-free cooking and easy cleanup.
How to Make Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Coat a 13 by 9 inch baking dish generously with non-stick oil spray. This will prevent the pasta from sticking and make serving a breeze once the dish is cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Manicotti Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells for 6 to 7 minutes until just al dente. This is crucial so they hold their shape without becoming mushy. Drain well, then toss them gently with a drizzle of olive oil to stop them from sticking to each other as they cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 2 cups of mozzarella, half the Parmesan, minced garlic, fresh chopped basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Whisk your eggs in a separate small dish and gently fold them into the cheese mixture until everything is just combined. This delicate mixture is the star of the filling and will infuse the pasta with creamy, herby flavor.
Step 4: Lay Down the Marinara Base
Spread 1½ cups of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer keeps the pasta moist and adds the perfect acidic counterpoint to the rich cheese filling.
Step 5: Stuff the Manicotti
Scoop half of the cheese filling into a plastic food bag, then snip off a corner to pipe the filling neatly into each manicotti shell, one at a time. As you finish stuffing each shell, place it carefully in the baking dish atop the marinara layer. Repeat with the remaining pasta and filling. This step may take a few minutes, but piping the filling makes a tidy presentation and ensures every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cover
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled pasta tubes for a rich, saucy finish. Spray a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick oil spray and cover the baking dish tightly to keep in moisture during baking.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake covered for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to warm through gently.
Step 8: Uncover and Continue Baking
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the pasta is perfectly cooked. This uncovered time helps concentrate flavors and develop a wonderful texture.
Step 9: Add the Cheese Topping
Take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This extra layer of cheese will melt and brown to create that irresistible, golden crust we all love.
Step 10: Final Bake for Cheese Melt
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 5 minutes more, or until the cheese topping is fully melted and slightly golden. This finishing step gives the bake its signature indulgent and bubbly appearance.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve Hot
Once out of the oven, sprinkle additional fresh chopped basil on top for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous aroma. Serve the Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe hot and watch it disappear from the table in no time!
How to Serve Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic garnish here, adding a bright, herby aroma that perfectly contrasts the rich cheeses. If you want to get creative, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate each serving.
Side Dishes
This Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce, or even simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual stuffed shells on small plates with a fresh herb garnish and a lemon wedge on the side for a hint of brightness. Or bake the entire dish in pretty ramekins for personalized portions that feel special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover your leftover Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully! Assemble and bake as directed, then cool completely before wrapping tightly with foil and placing in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to retain moisture. Remove foil during the last few minutes to re-crisp the melted cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cheese filling can be mixed up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge, covered. This makes assembling your Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe quicker and even more stress-free.
What if I can’t find manicotti shells?
No worries at all—you can substitute jumbo pasta shells. Just adjust cooking and stuffing carefully since jumbo shells are usually slightly different in size.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to experiment! While ricotta and mozzarella are traditional, adding some shredded provolone or fontina can impart beautiful depth. Just keep the texture creamy for easy piping.
Is it necessary to cook the pasta shells before stuffing?
Yes, pre-cooking the shells until al dente is essential since the shells finish baking in the sauce and need to be pliable enough to stuff without breaking.
How spicy is this dish?
This Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe is mild and comforting by design, but you can add red pepper flakes to the filling or marinara to introduce some heat if you enjoy a little kick.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cheese Manicotti Bake Recipe is like crafting a delicious memory right in your kitchen. The combination of creamy cheeses, fragrant herbs, and tangy tomato sauce embraces you with every mouthful. It’s an endlessly comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, sure to become a cherished classic in your recipe collection. Get ready to indulge and share a heartfelt Italian dinner with those you love!
