Four-Cheese Stuffed Manicotti with Marinara

Four-Cheese Stuffed Manicotti with Marinara is the kind of dish that instantly brings warmth, comfort, and pure indulgence to the table. Soft manicotti pasta tubes are generously filled with a luxurious blend of creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, and rich creamy provolone — all wrapped in a blanket of smooth marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. This dish embodies classic Italian comfort food: rich, hearty, satisfying, and made with love.

Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner, hosting a dinner party, or celebrating a special occasion, this manicotti recipe delivers elegance without complication. The combination of velvety cheese filling and tender pasta baked in tomato sauce creates a dish that feels both traditional and elevated.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because:

• It feels restaurant-quality, yet is easy to prepare at home
• The flavor is comforting, rich, and perfectly cheesy
• It’s great for make-ahead meals, meal prep, or feeding a crowd
• It can be adapted with vegetables, different cheeses, or proteins
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s:

• A timeless Italian comfort classic
• A showstopper baked pasta dish with minimal effort
• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and celebrations
• Rich, creamy, and irresistible, even to picky eaters

If you love lasagna, baked ziti, or stuffed shells — this manicotti will quickly become a favorite.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 60–65 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving (varies by cheese and sauce)
• Course: Main Course / Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Manicotti

• 12 manicotti pasta tubes
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Four-Cheese Filling

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup provolone cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Topping

• ½–1 cup mozzarella, for sprinkling
• Grated Parmesan, optional

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Cook manicotti until just al dente.
2. Mix all cheeses and seasonings to make the filling.
3. Stuff the manicotti tubes.
4. Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, place stuffed pasta, and top with sauce and cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step-By-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta
   Boil manicotti in salted water until al dente (about 6–7 minutes). Drain and cool.
3. Prepare Cheese Filling
   In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Stuff the Manicotti
   Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each manicotti tube completely.
5. Assemble
   Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed tubes and top with more sauce and cheese.
6. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
7. Rest and Serve
   Allow to rest 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve warm with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A fresh Caesar or garden salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley

Optional: Serve with extra marinara or grated Parmesan at the table.

Recipe Tips

✔ Don’t overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven.
✔ Filling is easier using a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner cut.
✔ Let the dish rest so the filling firms up and slices neatly.
✔ Use high-quality cheese — it makes a huge difference.

Variations

With Meat

• Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the filling or layer it under sauce.

Vegetarian Spinach Version

• Add 1–1½ cups cooked chopped spinach to the cheese filling.

Extra Rich Cheese Blend

Swap provolone with fontina or Asiago for deeper flavor.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or spicy marinara.

White Alfredo Style

Replace half the marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy-tomato fusion.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerate: 3–4 days in airtight container.
• Freeze (Unbaked or Baked): Up to 3 months.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes
  • Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving

Tip: If freezing unbaked, assemble but do not bake, then thaw overnight before cooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Piping bag (optional, but helpful)
• Foil for baking

Conclusion

Four-Cheese Stuffed Manicotti with Marinara is the definition of cozy, satisfying Italian comfort food. It’s creamy, flavorful, and hearty — a meal made for gathering, sharing, and savoring. Easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for holidays or celebrations, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it once, and you’ll be requested to make it again and again.