Love manicotti but dread the hassle of stuffing those pasta tubes? This String Cheese Manicotti Recipe is here to make your life easier and cheesier! Using string cheese as a shortcut, this recipe delivers all the gooey, cheesy goodness of traditional manicotti without the fuss.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Manicotti Recipe With String Cheese
Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium6
servings20
minutes35
minutes350
kcalThis String Cheese Manicotti Recipe is here to make your life easier
Ingredients
12 manicotti shells
16 oz string cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded string cheese, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the shells: Using a spoon or your hands, carefully stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
- Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Top with sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well covered.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese filling is melted and heated through.
- Serve: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the top to lightly brown. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Recipe Video
Serving Suggestions for String Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Serve this cheesy manicotti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a sparkling water with lemon for a restaurant-worthy experience. Don’t forget extra marinara sauce for dipping!
Storage Instructions
Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze unbaked manicotti for up to 2 months. Simply assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While string cheese is a fun and easy option, you can substitute it with shredded mozzarella, ricotta, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the manicotti up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of manicotti tubes?
A: Definitely! Lay out the no-boil noodles, add the string cheese, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
A: Make sure there’s enough marinara sauce covering the pasta before baking, and cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking.
Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A: Of course! Brown some ground beef, sausage, or turkey and mix it into the marinara sauce for a heartier version.
This Manicotti Recipe with String Cheese is a game-changer for anyone who loves cheesy, comforting pasta but doesn’t have time for complicated prep. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to please the whole family.
