1-Getting started: Getting started with cheesy manicotti is fun and simple, beginning with preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). First, boil 8 ounces of manicotti pasta until al dente as per the package instructions, then drain it using a strainer for ease. This step sets the foundation for a dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

2-Next: in a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese with half of the 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (that’s 3/4 cup), 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Transfer this cheese mixture into a large plastic bag, cut a small hole in one corner, and use it to pipe the filling. For internal tips, check out simple pasta recipes on our site for more ideas on handling pasta.

3-Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish: and spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Fill each manicotti shell with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture, placing them side by side in the dish. Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese (3/4 cup) on it.

4-Baking and Serving: Bake the dish for 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and warm, then serve it right away. This method ensures a gooey, flavorful result that’s perfect for family meals. If you’re looking to vary it, remember tips like avoiding overcooked pasta to keep it from getting mushy, which helps maintain that ideal texture.