Hey y’all! If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food to wow your family or impress your dinner guests, Manicotti Shells are a must-try. These tender pasta tubes are stuffed with a dreamy ricotta and spinach filling, smothered with zesty marinara, and finished with a melty layer of mozzarella. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight in or a festive Italian-inspired gathering, this manicotti recipe is sure to bring everyone to the table with big smiles. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Manicotti Shells Recipe
- Loaded with creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and gooey cheese in every bite.
- Perfect for prep-ahead dinners or freezer-friendly meals.
- Crowd-pleasing vegetarian main that’s hearty and satisfying.
- A classic taste of Italy that never goes out of style.
- Easy to customize with your favorite fillings and sauces.
Ingredients for Manicotti Shells
- 14 Manicotti Shells (about 8 oz dry pasta)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (about 4 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions: How to Make Manicotti Shells
Step 1: Cook the Manicotti Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add manicotti shells and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just barely al dente (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and rinse with cool water. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside on a tray.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir until well-mixed and creamy.
Step 3: Fill the Manicotti Shells
- Transfer filling to a large zip-top bag or piping bag. Snip off the end and carefully pipe filling into each cooked manicotti shell. (Alternatively, use a small spoon to gently fill the shells.)
Step 4: Assemble the Manicotti Shells
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Cover with remaining marinara, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes & Tips for Manicotti Shells
- If you’re new to filling manicotti, a piping bag makes it quick and clean. For more pasta-filling tips, check this guide.
- Freshly grated Parmesan ensures the best flavor and melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- You can use store-bought or homemade marinara—find an easy recipe at AllRecipes.
Variations for Manicotti Shells
- Meat Lovers: Add 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the cheese filling.
- Veggie Delight: Swap spinach for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a new flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free manicotti shells or large gluten-free pasta tubes available at health stores.
Required Equipment for Manicotti Shells
- Large pot (for boiling shells)
- Mixing bowl
- Piping bag or large zip-top bag (for filling)
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Storage Instructions for Manicotti Shells
Leftover Manicotti Shells can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze baked or unbaked manicotti in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until hot.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Manicotti Shells
- Serve with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian dinner.
- Pair with a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine.
- Round out the meal with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Manicotti Shells
- Let the shells cool before filling to avoid tearing.
- Cover the manicotti with foil while baking to keep the pasta moist—uncover toward the end for a perfect cheesy crust. Learn more about baking pasta perfection at Bon Appétit.
- If making ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance before baking for fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Manicotti Shells
- Can I use no-boil manicotti shells?
- Yes, but add extra sauce to ensure they cook through and soften properly in the oven.
- Can I freeze unbaked Manicotti Shells?
- Absolutely! Assemble the dish, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 15-20 extra minutes to the baking time.
- What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
- Cottage cheese or a combination of cottage cheese and cream cheese make tasty, creamy substitutes.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup water (as needed)
- 1 tablespoon semolina flour (for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for boiling)
Instructions
-
1In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and olive oil.
-
2Gradually mix together, adding water a little at a time until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
3Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a thin sheet.
-
4Cut the dough into 4×6 inch rectangles. Roll each rectangle around a wooden dowel to form tubes.
-
5Bring a large pot of salted water and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to a gentle boil. Carefully cook the manicotti shells for 4-5 minutes. Remove and place on a towel to drain and cool.
-
6Fill or bake shells as desired with your preferred filling and sauce.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
↑
Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
210cal
Protein:
7 gg
Fat:
5 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
34 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
