Cheesy Manicotti Bake with Basil Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried a few pasta bakes that just didn’t hit the mark—too dry, overcooked, or lacking that cozy, cheesy hug. Well, I’m excited to share my **Cheesy Manicotti Bake with Basil Recipe** that’s become a total game changer in my kitchen. This recipe is exactly what you want when craving comfort food made easy and scrumptiously satisfying. Trust me, once you try this, your whole family will be begging for seconds and maybe even thirds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together beautifully to create the classic Italian flavors you love. A quick tip: fresh basil makes a huge difference, so if you can grab some from a local market or even your own windowsill garden, do it!

• Manicotti shells: Look for the classic pasta tubes; fresh pasta tends to break, so dried shells are best.
• Olive oil: A little drizzle keeps the pasta from sticking once cooked—don’t skip it!
• Ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of the filling; opt for whole milk ricotta for richer flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced makes all the difference—powder just doesn’t deliver the same zip.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts like a dream into the filling and on top.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated if possible—this adds a sharp, nutty touch.
• Fresh basil: Chopped finely to infuse the filling with bright, herbal notes.
• Salt, black pepper, nutmeg: The little spices that bring balance—don’t overlook the pinch of nutmeg!
• Eggs: They help bind the filling together so it holds inside the shells perfectly.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for the freshest taste and best texture.

Variations

I love that this Cheesy Manicotti Bake with Basil Recipe is super adaptable. Over the years, I’ve experimented to suit different tastes and dietary preferences—feel free to make it your own!

• Vegetable Add-In: Sometimes I toss in sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the cheese filling for an extra veggie punch and a lovely texture contrast.
• Meaty Twist: Adding cooked Italian sausage to the filling loved by my family—just brown it first for deep flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular manicotti with gluten-free pasta tubes; just watch the cook time since those can get softer faster.
• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve tried a tofu ricotta mix with dairy-free mozzarella substitutes, and while it’s not exactly the same, it works well for lactose sensitivities.

How to Make Cheesy Manicotti Bake with Basil Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Pasta Perfectly

First up, preheat your oven to 350°F and spray your 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick oil. Boil a big pot of salted water and cook your manicotti shells for 6 to 7 minutes—just enough so they’re pliable but not mushy. Drain them carefully and toss them back in the pot with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking. This step caught me off guard the first time; overcooking the shells is easy but totally ruins the texture, so keep an eye on them.

Step 2: Making That Creamy Cheese Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine ricotta, 2 cups of mozzarella, half the parmesan, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. In a separate small bowl, whisk your eggs together, then fold them gently into the cheese mixture. I like to mix gently so the filling stays light and creamy, not dense. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that you might not expect but totally completes the flavor.

Step 3: Stuffing the Shells Like a Pro

This is where the magic happens—spread about 1½ cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of your baking dish to keep everything extra saucy. To fill the manicotti shells without the mess, spoon half the filling into a plastic food bag and snip off a corner. I swear by this trick—it’s so much neater and faster than using spoons. Pipe the filling gently into each shell and place them carefully over the sauce. Repeat this with the remaining shells and filling.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Pour the remaining marinara over the stuffed shells. Cover the dish with foil sprayed lightly with non-stick oil to avoid sticking, then bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until it’s bubbling hot—this is when your kitchen fills with those incredible aromas. For the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top and bake uncovered until the cheese melts to a golden, gooey finish. My family goes crazy for that golden top!

How to Serve Cheesy Manicotti Bake with Basil Recipe

Garnishes

For me, a simple sprinkle of freshly chopped basil on top just before serving adds a lovely color pop and that fresh herb aroma that makes every bite inviting. Sometimes I like to add a little drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness, too.

Side Dishes

I often pair this with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that delicious marinara sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the manicotti in individual mini casserole dishes—so charming for guests and easy to portion. Another fun idea is layering the manicotti in a deep dish lasagna pan with extra herbs between layers for a beautiful presentation that feels extra indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover manicotti covered tightly in the fridge—it holds well for up to 3 days. Whenever I reheat portions, I add a splash of water or marinara on top to keep it from drying out in the microwave.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.

Reheating

Leftovers reheat best in the oven rather than the microwave to retain that cheesy, bubbly top. I cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and bake at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, or until hot and melty.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Cheesy Manicotti Bake with Basil Recipe has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone gathers around the table, sharing stories and laughter. I hope you find the same joy making and eating it with your loved ones. Once you get the hang of the filling and baking steps, this becomes one of those reliable go-to meals that feels fancy but comes together with real ease. Give it a try, and let me know how your own kitchen adventures turn out!

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