Manicotti Italian Casserole is a comforting, oven-baked dish that brings together tender pasta tubes, creamy cheese filling, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this casserole-style version makes manicotti easier to assemble while still delivering the same hearty, satisfying taste. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and deeply comforting.
Manicotti Italian Casserole:
Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or make-ahead meals, Manicotti Italian Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that feels both familiar and special. Whether served for a cozy weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this dish offers the kind of homemade comfort that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
History:
Manicotti has its roots in Italian cuisine, where stuffed pasta dishes have long been a tradition. The word “manicotti” means “little sleeves” in Italian, referring to the tube-shaped pasta used to hold rich fillings of cheese or meat. Italian-American cooking popularized baked manicotti with tomato sauce and mozzarella, and over time, the casserole-style version emerged as a convenient adaptation—maintaining traditional flavors while simplifying preparation for home cooks.
Subscribe to our youtube channel Kitchenpedia for more delicious recipes and hit the like button if you enjoyed this youtubevideo. Share it with your friends and Family.
Manicotti Italian Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells (or broken lasagna noodles for casserole style)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil, for greasing dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Fill manicotti shells with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Let the casserole rest before serving for clean slices.
- Use full-fat ricotta for best texture.
- Sauce amount can be adjusted to preference.
- Dish thickens as it cools.
- Freezes well after baking.
Tips for Manicotti Italian Casserole:
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meat version.
- Use spinach in the filling for extra nutrients.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if desired.
- Bake uncovered longer for extra browning.
- Serve with garlic bread and salad.
FAQs for Manicotti Italian:
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate until baking.
Q: Can I freeze Manicotti Italian?
A: Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.
Q: What sauce works best?
A: Marinara or a simple tomato-basil sauce works perfectly.
Q: Can I use no-boil pasta?
A: Yes, ensure enough sauce is added for proper cooking.
Q: Is this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, unless meat is added.
Conclusion
Manicotti Italian is a delicious celebration of classic Italian-American comfort food. With its creamy filling, rich tomato sauce, and golden baked top, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.