Manicotti Recipe 

Stuffed with a savory sausage and cheese filling, this baked manicotti is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for the Filling – 2 tsp olive oil – 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild, casings removed) – ½ cup onion (finely chopped) – 2 tsp minced garlic – 15 oz ricotta cheese – 1 egg – 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) – ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated) – ¾ tsp dried Italian seasoning – Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Assembly – 2 ½ cups marinara sauce – 12 manicotti shells – 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese – 2 tbsp chopped parsley – Cooking spray

Step 3: Prepare the Filling 1.Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. 2.Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces, for 3–4 minutes 3.Add chopped onions and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened and browned. 4.Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.

Instruction:

Step 2: Combine Cheese Mixture 1.In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 2.Add the cooked sausage mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 3. Cook and Fill Manicotti 1.Boil manicotti shells in salted water, cooking 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. 2.Drain and cool slightly. 3.Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each shell with the sausage and cheese mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish 1.Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9"x13" baking dish. 2.Arrange filled manicotti in a single layer. 3.Pour remaining sauce over the shells.

Step 7: Bake and Finish 1.Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. 2.Uncover, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and browned.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve 1.Sprinkle with chopped parsley. 2.Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy baked manicotti