This Homemade Manicotti recipe brings the authentic taste of Italy right to your kitchen. This dish features delicate pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese, topped with rich marinara sauce, and finished with melted mozzarella. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving some Italian comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can recreate this flavorful dish. Plus, the combination of savory cheese and tangy tomato sauce makes this a perfect go-to for family dinners.

Why is it called “Homemade Manicotti”?
Manicotti is derived from the Italian word “manica,” which means sleeve. This name refers to the large tubular pasta used in the dish, which resembles a sleeve or large shell, perfect for stuffing. Traditionally, manicotti is filled with a ricotta-based mixture and topped with marinara sauce. The dish became popular in Italian-American cuisine, where it’s often served at gatherings and Sunday family dinners. The beauty of Homemade Manicotti lies in its simplicity, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal from scratch in the comfort of your home.

How should Homemade Manicotti Taste?
Homemade Manicotti should be a symphony of rich and balanced flavors. The filling should be creamy and cheesy, with ricotta providing a smooth texture complemented by a hint of Parmesan for depth. The pasta shells are tender yet firm enough to hold the filling without falling apart. The marinara sauce offers a tangy and slightly sweet contrast, while melted mozzarella adds a gooey, savory topping. When perfectly baked, every bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and cheesy goodness, with just a hint of garlic and herbs.
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How to Make it Super Yummy or Perfect?
To make your Homemade Manicotti perfect, use fresh ingredients. Opt for high-quality ricotta cheese, and consider adding a blend of Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, and parsley) to the filling for extra flavor. When making the sauce, slow-cooking it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t overstuff the shells; this ensures they hold together and bake evenly. Also, lightly undercook the pasta shells before stuffing, as they will continue to soften while baking. For that golden, bubbly finish, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end.

Homemade Manicotti Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon for stuffing pasta shells
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Boil the manicotti shells in salted water until they are slightly undercooked (al dente), about 6-7 minutes. Drain and let them cool.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the shells: Using a spoon, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
- Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the manicotti.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with additional basil and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach or ground beef for a variation in the filling.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat ricotta cheese.
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Conclusion
Making Homemade Manicotti is a rewarding experience, offering the best of Italian flavors in a dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again for family dinners or special occasions. So why not bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen? Try this classic recipe, and enjoy a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal that everyone will love.