Easy Stuffed Manicotti

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add manicotti and boil for the 7-8 minutes, until almost tender*.

Step 3

Drain and rinse manicotti 2-3 times under cold water until cooled to room temperature.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, pesto, salt, and pepper.

Step 5

Place ricotta mixture in a large piping bag or large freezer bag and snip the end.

Step 6

Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom.

Step 7

Fill each manicotti shell with ricotta cheese mixture and line up on top of the marinara sauce in the baking dish, dividing the ricotta evenly between the 12 manicotti.

Step 8

Top the filled manicotti with the remaining 1 1/2 cups sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Step 9

Lightly grease a piece of foil or lid and cover the baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and pasta is tender. Serve.