A hybrid between manicotti and lasagna, this one-dish wonder is enough to feed your family, with leftovers to spare.
I’m a lasagna girl—after all, it’s what I grew up with! Layered noodles stacked with creamy ricotta cheese and shreds of mozzarella and Parmesan, all enveloped in a tangy marinara sauce…as a kid, there was just nothing more exciting than seeing that tray coming out of the oven, the cheese bubbling on top, and the crispy lasagna noodles hanging over the edge of the casserole. The steaming dish just invited you to take a bite.
I was introduced to manicotti later in life, during a high school field trip to our local Buca di Beppo that, at the time, seemed like the fanciest Italian restaurant I’d ever been to! And believe me, it was—candlelit tables, baskets of bread with freshly whipped garlic butter, and endless wheels of Romano cheese lining the dining room. I had never seen something so magnificent!
This dish brings together my two oldest fascinations: manicotti and lasagna. Although not a traditional manicotti recipe, layering the tubes atop each other to create a casserole definitely reminds me of a lasagna, and the flavors mimic the same. It’s comfort in a casserole, that’s for sure.
Can this recipe be customized?
Definitely! The beauty of this manicotti recipe is that in some ways, it is a completely clean slate—the recipe itself doesn’t call for any protein or vegetables, leaving the dish ripe for your own customization. For instance, you can add a layer of seasoned, cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or beef for a heartier, protein-packed meal, or go meatless by sautéeing spinach and mushrooms and mixing them into the cheese mixture, adding another layer of flavor.
You can even play around with the cheese types, swapping the classic mozzarella for a smoked variety or adding dollops of goat cheese to elevate the flavor and add your own unique touch.
How do I store leftovers?
Like most casseroles, leftovers of this recipe can be stored right in the dish that you prepared it in. Simply cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, simply freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container and use within 3 months.
Serving suggestions
Like any classic Italian dish, this casserole pairs extremely well with a side of Caprese Garlic Bread or Crostini and a classic salad, such as a Kale Caesar or Italian Salad tossed with this vibrant dressing. It also pairs with a host of vegetable sides such as Sautéed Broccolini, Crispy Asparagus, or Air-Fryer Green Beans.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces manicotti shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
- Fresh basil chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook until they are tender yet firm, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup of the spaghetti sauce.
- Arrange half of the manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining shells on top and pour the rest of the spaghetti sauce evenly over the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil, top with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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