Manicotti

This top-rated manicotti recipe is satisfying, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to make. 

What Is Manicotti? 

“Manicotti” (which means, literally, “little sleeves”) can refer to both a pasta shape and an Italian dish. Manicotti shells are large, tubular, and intended to be stuffed. Traditionally, manicotti is stuffed with a cheese mixture and baked in a tomato sauce.  

How to Make Manicotti

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Manicotti Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this manicotti recipe at home: 

• Pasta: Use store-bought or homemade manicotti pasta shells. 
• Cheeses: You’ll stuff the manicotti with a rich mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. 
• Eggs: Two eggs lend moisture and help bind the filling together. 
• Seasonings: The manicotti recipe is seasoned with dried parsley, salt, and ground black pepper.

How to Stuff Manicotti

It can be difficult to stuff the manicotti shells without breaking them, so you’ll need to be gentle. We recommend using a long, narrow spoon or a piping bag. 

How to Make Homemade Manicotti

Here's a very brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade manicotti:

1. Boil and drain the manicotti. 
2. Make the filling and spread sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Stuff the shells and arrange them over the sauce. 
4. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with Parmesan.
5. Bake the manicotti until bubbly. 

How Long to Cook Manicotti

In an oven preheated to 350 degrees F, this manicotti recipe should be perfectly cooked and bubbly after about 45 minutes. 

What to Serve With Manicotti

Looking for serving inspiration? We’ve got you covered. Pair this manicotti with one of these top-rated side dish recipes: 

• Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad
• French Baguettes
• Arugula-Fennel Salad
• Jimbo’s Garlic Knots
• Butter-Roasted Cauliflower

How to Store Manicotti

Store your leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven. You can freeze manicotti for up to two months.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Awesome recipe,” according to one Allrecipes community member. “I used a ground Italian sausage meat sauce, and it was perfect. A neat tip I use is to grab a zipper lock sandwich bag, fill it with the cheeses, and snip the corner, voila a cheap disposable piping bag.”

“I enjoyed eating this recipe,” says Maureen Plumb. “I substituted dried parsley with fresh parsley. Nothing compares to fresh herbs when cooking Italian.”

“Pro tip: Substitute half of the ricotta with drained cottage cheese,” suggests Greg Binkard.
I know it sounds crazy, but the tartness of the cottage cheese brings out a ton of flavor.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams