Pioneer Woman Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

If you love baked pasta, you will enjoy this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Manicotti Recipe. It is rich, cheesy and full of Italian flavor. This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Manicotti Recipe is perfect for family dinners.

The pasta tubes are filled with creamy cheese and covered in sauce. Every bite feels warm and comforting.

You can make this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Manicotti Recipe easily at home. It tastes like a classic Italian restaurant dish but feels homemade.

My Experience With This Recipe

I tried this recipe inspired by Ree Drummond. I wanted a comforting baked pasta dish. The result was amazing and very satisfying.

The manicotti turned out soft and flavorful. The cheese filling was creamy and rich. The tomato sauce added a perfect balance. My family loved it a lot. It quickly became a favorite dinner recipe at home.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large pot
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil water in a large pot. Add manicotti shells and cook until slightly tender. Do not overcook them. Drain carefully and let them cool before handling.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth, creamy and well combined.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This helps the pasta bake evenly and melt the cheese perfectly. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

4. Fill the Manicotti

Take each cooked pasta shell. Carefully fill it with the cheese mixture using a spoon. Fill evenly but do not overstuff to avoid breaking.

5. Add Sauce to Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the pasta while baking.

6. Arrange the Filled Pasta

Place the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish. Keep them in a single layer. Make sure they are close but not overcrowded.

7. Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top for a cheesy baked finish.

8. Bake Until Perfect

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook pasta shells before filling
• Use fresh ricotta for better texture
• Add spinach to the filling for extra nutrition
• Let the dish rest for five minutes before serving
• Use homemade marinara sauce for richer flavor

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	20 g
Fat	22 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve this baked manicotti hot from the oven. It tastes best when the cheese is melted and soft. You can garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra flavor. This dish works well for family dinners or small gatherings. Pair it with fresh bread to enjoy the sauce fully.

Best Sides To Serve With

This dish pairs well with garlic bread or crusty bread. A fresh green salad adds balance. Roasted vegetables also taste great.

You can serve it with soup for a complete meal. Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach are also good options.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at low temperature.

Add a little sauce before reheating to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals. Cover while reheating to avoid drying.

FAQs about Pioneer Woman Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti earlier and store it in the fridge. Bake it when needed. This makes it perfect for busy days or planned dinners.

2. Can I freeze stuffed manicotti?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe dish before baking. When ready, thaw overnight and bake until heated through completely.

3. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage. Mix it with the sauce or filling. It makes the dish more filling and hearty.

4. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and mozzarella. Blend it well to get a smooth texture similar to ricotta.

5. Why are my manicotti shells breaking?
This happens if they are overcooked or handled roughly. Cook them until just tender and handle gently while filling to avoid breaking.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Manicotti Recipe is a perfect comfort food. It is easy to make and full of flavor.

The creamy cheese filling and rich sauce create a satisfying meal. You can customize it based on your taste.

It works great for family dinners or special occasions. Try this recipe once and enjoy a warm, cheesy and delicious pasta dish at home.