Manicotti Italian Casserole
Manicotti Italian Casserole is a rich, baked pasta favorite.It features tender pasta layered with cheese and sauce.Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.A classic Italian-American comfort dish.
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.