Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe is pure comfort food joy. It feels fancy but stays simple. This dish brings soft pasta, creamy cheese and rich sauce together.
You can serve it for family dinners or parties. Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe always looks warm and welcoming. You will love the smell in your kitchen.
This Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. Let us start and enjoy this classic Italian-style meal.
My Experience With This Recipe
I felt calm and happy while making this dish. The pasta shells looked cute and fun to fill. The cheese mix smelled rich and fresh. I loved watching the sauce bubble in the oven.
It tasted creamy, cheesy and cozy. My family asked for more right away. This recipe feels special but still simple. It is one of my favorite baked pasta meals now.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or piping bag
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
- 14 manicotti pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Boil the manicotti shells
Cook manicotti in salted water until tender but still firm. Drain gently and cool on a tray for easier filling later.
2. Make the cheese filling
Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil and oregano together. Add salt and pepper. Stir until creamy, thick and fully blended.
3. Prepare the baking dish
Spread a thin marinara layer over the dish bottom. This stops sticking and keeps pasta soft during baking for perfect texture.
4. Fill the manicotti shells
Spoon or pipe cheese mixture into each shell slowly. Fill fully but avoid tearing. Work gently so shells stay whole.
5. Arrange stuffed shells
Place filled manicotti in the dish side by side. Keep them snug but not crushed for even cooking and pretty serving.
6. Add sauce and cheese on top
Pour remaining marinara over pasta evenly. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan for golden bubbling cheese during baking pleasure.
7. Bake the manicotti
Cover dish with foil and bake until hot. Remove foil near end for browning cheese beautifully and enhancing flavor delightfully.
8. Rest and serve
Let baked manicotti rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy warm creamy bites with loved ones happily.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
- Do not overcook the shells
- Fill gently to prevent tearing
- Use good quality marinara sauce
- Freshly grate cheese for better melt
- Let it rest before cutting
- Add extra herbs for stronger flavor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using broken shells
- Skipping salt in pasta water
- Overbaking until dry
- Stuffing shells while too hot
- Using watery ricotta without draining
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with garlic bread or simple green salad. A small bowl of soup also pairs nicely. You can add grilled chicken or meatballs for more protein.
A sprinkle of chili flakes adds light heat. This meal feels perfect for cozy nights or holiday meals with family and friends.
Variations You Can Try
- Add cooked spinach to the cheese filling
- Use meat sauce instead of plain marinara
- Add sausage crumbles inside the filling
- Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta
- Add mushrooms or roasted vegetables
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for three to four days
- Freeze unbaked stuffed shells for later
- Reheat in the oven until hot through
- Add extra sauce before reheating to keep moist
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Health Benefits
This recipe offers protein from cheese and egg. It also gives energy from pasta carbohydrates. Tomato sauce adds antioxidants like lycopene.
When you add spinach or vegetables, you increase vitamins and fiber. You can enjoy this meal in balance with salads and fresh fruit. It brings comfort while still supporting a varied, mindful diet.
Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 manicotti pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Boil the manicotti shells
- Cook manicotti in salted water until tender but still firm. Drain gently and cool on a tray for easier filling later.
Make the cheese filling
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil and oregano together. Add salt and pepper. Stir until creamy, thick and fully blended.
Prepare the baking dish
- Spread a thin marinara layer over the dish bottom. This stops sticking and keeps pasta soft during baking for perfect texture.
Fill the manicotti shells
- Spoon or pipe cheese mixture into each shell slowly. Fill fully but avoid tearing. Work gently so shells stay whole.
Arrange stuffed shells
- Place filled manicotti in the dish side by side. Keep them snug but not crushed for even cooking and pretty serving.
Add sauce and cheese on top
- Pour remaining marinara over pasta evenly. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan for golden bubbling cheese during baking pleasure.
Bake the manicotti
- Cover dish with foil and bake until hot. Remove foil near end for browning cheese beautifully and enhancing flavor delightfully.
Rest and serve
- Let baked manicotti rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy warm creamy bites with loved ones happily.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shells
- Fill gently to prevent tearing
- Use good quality marinara sauce
- Freshly grate cheese for better melt
- Let it rest before cutting
- Add extra herbs for stronger flavor
FAQs about Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff shells earlier, cover and chill. Bake later when needed. This helps save time for busy days or guests.
2. Can I use gluten-free pasta shells?
Yes, gluten-free manicotti works well. Handle carefully since they break faster. Follow package times closely and avoid overcooking for best shape.
3. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or blended tofu. Drain extra liquid first. This keeps filling thick, creamy, and stable while baking perfectly.
4. Can I add meat to the recipe?
Yes, cooked ground beef or sausage tastes great. Mix with sauce or filling. It adds protein and deeper savory flavor to each bite.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe is warm, easy and family friendly. It looks elegant yet needs simple steps. The creamy filling and soft pasta feel very comforting.
You now know how to make Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti at home with confidence. Try it soon, enjoy the rich flavors and share with people you love. Happy cooking and happy smiles at your table.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!