34 Best Manicotti Recipes

Manicotti recipes come in all shapes and sizes.

Some are made with traditional Italian ingredients while others are more modern and unique.

But one thing is for sure, all of these recipes are delicious!

So if you are looking for the best manicotti recipe to make for dinner tonight, then you have come to the right place.

I’ve rounded up 34 of the best manicotti pasta recipes from some of my favorite food bloggers.

Whether you are in the mood for a classic meat sauce or something a little lighter, there is sure to be a recipe on this list that you’ll love.

34 Easy Manicotti Recipes

Before you get too far into cooking, there are two things you should know about manicotti.

• First, be careful not to overcook your manicotti. The pasta should be cooked until it is just tender. Any longer and it will become mushy and difficult to eat.
• Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative! Manicotti pairs well with just about anything, so feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations.

Need some inspiration?

Try one of these 34 best manicotti recipes:

Classic Manicotti Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/9148005503890879/

Stuffed with a ricotta cheese mixture and baked in homemade marinara with extra cheese melted on top, this classic manicotti recipe is always a hit!

I like to make it for dinner parties or when we have company over, because it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve.

And, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to your manicotti, try adding some chopped cooked spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta cheese mixture.

You can also top it with crumbled bacon or sausage before baking.

Sides That Go With This Dish

A simple green salad and some garlic bread are all you need to complete this meal.

Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/12596073949929593/

This classic, meaty baked manicotti stuffed with Italian sausage and cheese is the perfect comfort food for a cool evening.

It’s easy to make ahead of time, and it reheats well, so it’s great for leftovers.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.

You can also top it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Sides That Go With This Dish

This dish goes great with a simple green salad and a crusty piece of bread.

Million Dollar Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/13862711345735728/

Million Dollar Manicotti is stuffed with four types of cheese and topped off with marinara, ground beef, and melty mozzarella.

This is one of my favorite recipes to make because it is so filling and satisfying.

The different cheeses all work together so well, and the ground beef adds a nice heartiness to the dish.

I also love that this recipe can be made ahead of time and then baked when you’re ready to eat.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this recipe, you can try adding some herbs to the cheese filling.

I like to use oregano, basil, and parsley.

You could also add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little bit of heat.

Sides That Go With This Dish

Some of my favorite sides to serve with this dish are garlic bread and a simple salad.

The garlic bread is great for dipping into the sauce, and the salad is a nice way to lighten up the meal.

Three Cheese Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/140456082121029239/

Perfectly cooked manicotti filled with a glorious mixture of three cheeses, herbs, and spices is one of my favorite comfort foods.

I like to make this dish when I’m in the mood for something hearty and filling, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is also great for entertaining, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor to your manicotti, try adding some crumbled bacon or sausage to the filling.

You can also top your dish with a homemade tomato sauce, or a store-bought sauce that you’ve jazzed up with some extra spices.

Beef and Cheese Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/9077636740582522/

Make this comfort food meal in just under an hour.

I love to make it on a cool fall evening when I’m in the mood for something hearty and filling.

This dish is also great for leftovers, so it’s perfect for meal-prepping.

How To Add Extra Flavor

To really give this dish some zing, I like to add a little bit of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone.

Pumpkin Manicotti with Bechamel Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/651051689898020619/

Pumpkin, sage and cheeses are stuffed into manicotti shells in this easy to follow recipe.

I love making this dish in the fall when the weather starts to cool down and I want something comforting for dinner.

The bechamel sauce adds a lovely richness to the dish, and the pumpkin and sage complement each other perfectly.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, try roasting the pumpkin before you stuff it into the shells.

This will give the dish a deeper flavor and make it even more comforting.

Sides That Go With This Dish

This dish goes really well with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.

Ham and Cheese Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1618549859995303/

Ham and cheese filled manicotti noodles with a delicious cream sauce is one of my favorite recipes to make for dinner.

I love how easy it is to make, and how you can customize the filling to your liking.

I also think it’s a great dish to serve when you have guests over, as it looks impressive but is actually quite simple to make.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add some extra flavor to your dish, try adding some chopped bacon or sausage to the filling.

You could also mix in some sauteed mushrooms, onions, or garlic.

For a bit of a kick, try adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Sides That Go With This Dish

This dish goes great with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.

You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Healthy Turkey Spinach Manicotti Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/65302263335983104/

Made with lean ground turkey, spinach, part-skim ricotta, and jarred marinara, this manicotti is a healthier take on the classic Italian dish.

I love to make this recipe when I’m looking for a hearty, yet healthy, meal.

The ground turkey and spinach add protein and fiber, while the ricotta and marinara add flavor and creaminess.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor to this dish, try topping it with some shredded Parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto.

You could also add some sautéed mushrooms or onions to the filling for an extra flavorful boost.

Sides That Go With This Dish

This dish is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking for something to serve alongside it, I recommend a simple green salad or some sautéed garlic green beans.

Baked Beef and Cheese Manicotti (Cannelloni)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/668643875940313088/

Stuffed with ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella and lean ground beef, these baked beef and cheese manicotti are easy to make and so delicious!

I love to make this recipe for family dinners and special occasions.

It’s always a hit!

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add even more flavor to this dish, try adding some garlic to the beef mixture.

You could also add some chopped spinach or mushrooms to the filling.

Sides That Go With This Dish

This dish goes great with a simple salad and some garlic bread.

Chicken Manicotti with Mushrooms

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/101682904072230536/

A delicious chicken and mushroom mixture is stuffed in manicotti shells in this recipe.

I love to make it for dinner because it’s a hearty dish that is still relatively light.

You can also add extra flavor to the dish by adding your favorite spices to the chicken and mushroom mixture.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add extra flavor to this dish, I recommend adding your favorite spices to the chicken and mushroom mixture.

This will give the dish an extra kick that you’re sure to love.

Sides That Go With This Dish

A simple side salad goes great with this dish.

I also like to serve a side of garlic bread with it.

Broccoli Manicotti with Burrata

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/480407485263187474/

A cozy vegetarian dinner recipe that is loaded up with healthy broccoli, ooey gooey burrata, and a simple homemade tomato sauce.

This recipe is perfect for a Meatless Monday, or any day of the week!

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this recipe, you could try adding some spices to the tomato sauce.

I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil.

You could also add some garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little bit of Parmesan cheese.

Sides That Go With This Dish

Some of my favorite sides to serve with this broccoli manicotti recipe are a simple green salad, garlic bread, and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Seafood Manicotti Alfredo

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/503629170842955270/

With tender bites of shrimp and crabmeat nestled in pasta with a light cream sauce, this recipe for Seafood Manicotti Alfredo is one of my favorites to make for a special dinner.

I love to make it when we have company because it always impresses, but it’s also easy enough to make on a weeknight.

The leftovers are also delicious, so it’s a great recipe to have on hand.

How To Add Extra Flavor

To really take this dish over the top, I like to add a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the top before baking.

It adds a nice depth of flavor and makes the dish look even more impressive.

Sides That Go With This Dish

A simple green salad goes well with this dish, or you could try a light pasta salad.

For a heartier meal, you could add a side of garlic bread.

Easy and Delicious Vegan Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/684476843383627321/

This manicotti shells recipe has the best manicotti filling with yummy vegan cheese, tofu ricotta, and spinach.

It is so easy to make and the shells are so delicious.

I like to make this recipe because it is easy to make and the shells are so delicious.

The filling is also very tasty and has a great consistency.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add extra flavor to this dish, you can add some spices to the filling.

I usually add a little bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

You could also add some red pepper flakes if you like a little bit of heat.

Sides That Go With This Dish

Some sides that go well with this recipe are a simple green salad, some garlic bread, and a glass of red wine.

Lasagna Stuffed Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/108086459790399308/

Loaded with three different types of cheese, this lasagna stuffed manicotti is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something hearty and filling.

I also love that it’s relatively easy to make, and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to your lasagna stuffed manicotti, try adding some chopped-up bacon or sausage to the filling.

You can also top it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Crockpot Manicotti Recipe With Cheese

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/176836722856542508/

This crockpot manicotti recipe is one that needs to be added to your repertoire.

It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

Simply assemble the manicotti ahead of time, and then let your crockpot do the work.

The result is a cheesy, flavorful dish that your family will love.

How To Add Extra Flavor

To really take this dish up a notch, try adding some extra ingredients to the filling.

Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and onions all make great additions.

You could also mix in some different cheeses, like mozzarella or Parmesan, for even more flavor.

Sides That Go With This Dish

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, you could serve it with a simple salad or some garlic bread.

Mexican Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/168462842303067431/

If you’re craving Mexican food but want something a little more hearty than a standard taco, this Mexican manicotti is the perfect dish.

It’s packed with flavor, and you can easily add extra toppings to make it even more filling.

I like to make this recipe on nights when I want a hearty but tasty meal.

How To Add Even More Flavor

If you want to add extra flavor to this dish, I suggest topping it with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions.

You could also add a dollop of sour cream on top.

These toppings will take this dish from good to great!

Sides That Go With This Dish

This Mexican manicotti goes great with a side of refried beans and a green salad.

Pesto Chicken Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/330029478931534089/

Baked in a creamy alfredo sauce and then topped with fresh basil pesto, this Pesto Chicken Manicotti recipe is one of my favorites to make for a cozy night in.

I love how the chicken and cheese filling pairs so well with the pesto sauce, and the dish is always a hit with my family and friends.

And, it’s a pretty easy recipe to follow, which is always a bonus in my book.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this recipe, I suggest trying one of these two things.

First, you could swap out the chicken for another protein, like shrimp or sausage.

Or, you could add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a little bit of sweetness and acidity.

Sides That Go With This Dish

This recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re looking for a side dish to go along with it, I would recommend something simple like a green salad or some garlic bread.

Low Carb Spinach Manicotti With Ricotta Cheese and Red Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1128925831566730261/

Filled with spinach & ricotta cheese, topped with red marinara sauce, this Low Carb Spinach Manicotti is not only healthy and flavorful, but also satisfying and easy to make.

I love to make this recipe for a weeknight dinner because it is quick and relatively simple to prepare.

And, it reheats well for leftovers the next day.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a bit more flavor to this dish, I suggest topping it with some shredded Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves.

You could also add some crumbled bacon or sausage to the filling for a heartier meal.

A Few Easy Sides That Go With This Dish

Some of my favorite sides to serve with this manicotti recipe include a simple salad, garlic bread, and roasted vegetables.

Crab-Stuffed Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/539587599117760700/

I love pasta, and my husband loves seafood, so this Crab-Stuffed Manicotti recipe is the perfect compromise.

I like to make it for a special dinner because it looks impressive, but it’s actually pretty easy to prepare.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, try using a seafood-flavored pasta sauce.

You can also add some chopped fresh herbs to the stuffing mixture.

A Few Easy Sides That Go With This Dish

Some simple sides that go well with this manicotti recipe are a green salad and some garlic bread.

You could also add a vegetable, like steamed broccoli, to the plate.

Spinach Tofu Vegan Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/127297126960081169/

This manicotti recipe features the perfect filling with tofu ricotta, spinach, and vegan cream cheese.

I love to make this recipe for a few reasons:

• First, it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into my diet.
• Second, it’s a relatively simple recipe that doesn’t take too much time to make.
• And third, it’s a great dish to serve to guests because it looks impressive but is actually quite easy to make.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor to this dish, I suggest adding some garlic to the tofu ricotta mixture.

You could also add some red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

And if you’re really looking to spice things up, you could add some jalapeños to the tofu ricotta mixture.

A Few Easy Sides That Go With This Dish

This dish goes great with a simple side salad and some garlic bread.

You could also add some steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts to round out the meal.

Crab Stuffed Manicotti with Alfredo Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/165225880071756669/

Crab stuffed manicotti with homemade alfredo sauce is an easy Italian dinner recipe that is perfect for a date night in, or a special occasion.

I love to make this dish because it is impressive, yet relatively simple to make.

The crab filling is rich and flavorful, and the alfredo sauce is creamy and decadent.

This dish is sure to please any pasta lover!

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add an extra boost of flavor to this dish, try using fresh crab meat instead of canned.

You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the alfredo sauce, or top the manicotti with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

A Few Easy Sides That Go With This Dish

A simple green salad goes well with this dish, or you could try roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted asparagus.

For a heartier side, try garlic bread or roasted potatoes.

Christmas Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/109564203424162403/

This comforting, extra-cheesy casserole is one of my go-to recipes during the holidays.

I love how easy it is to make ahead of time, and how everyone always seems to enjoy it.

It’s the perfect dish to feed a crowd, and it always seems to disappear quickly!

How To Add Extra Flavor

To really take this dish over the top, I like to add a few extra ingredients to the filling.

I always use a mix of both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and I also like to add in some chopped spinach for extra color and nutrients.

You could also add in some cooked, crumbled sausage if you wanted to make it a bit heartier.

A Few Easy Sides That Go With This Dish

Since this casserole is already pretty filling, I like to keep the sides simple when I serve it.

A green salad is always a good option, or you could also serve it with a loaf of crusty bread.

Roasted vegetables would also be a great option, and they would pair nicely with the cheesy filling.

Creamy Spinach Ricotta Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/547046685997201034/

This recipe is pure comfort/indulgence food for me.

I love the creamy filling, the cheesy topping, and the soft pasta.

It’s the perfect dish to make on a cold winter day, or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying.

How To Add More Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, try adding some freshly ground black pepper to the filling.

You could also top the manicotti with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or some chopped fresh parsley.

Some Sides That Go With This Dish

Some of my favorite sides to serve with this recipe are a simple green salad, some garlic bread, and a glass of red wine.

Four Cheese Spinach Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/682506518548312738/

Extra cheesy pasta is always a win, isn’t it?

This dish is one of my go-tos when I’m looking for something comforting, and it’s pretty easy to make, too.

I like to make it on weekends when I have a little more time to spend in the kitchen.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor to this dish, I recommend stirring in some sun-dried tomatoes with the spinach.

You could also add some crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

Chicken Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/520376931961029496/

Chicken and spinach alfredo manicotti is creamy, filling, and relatively easy to make.

I like to make this recipe when I want a hearty meal that will leave me feeling satisfied.

This dish is also great for leftovers, as it reheats well.

How To Add Extra Flavor

• To add extra flavor to this dish, I like to top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• I also think that a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes would be delicious.
• A green salad, some garlic bread, and a glass of wine make for the perfect meal.

Spinach-Artichoke Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/147352219049066258/

This is one of the coziest comfort food recipes around, and I love to make it on chilly winter evenings.

It’s also a great option for entertaining, since it can be made ahead of time and reheated when guests arrive.

How To Add Extra Flavor

For an extra flavorful dish, I like to add a bit of garlic to the sauce.

You could also stir in some shredded Parmesan cheese, or top the manicotti with a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.

A Few Easy Sides That Go With This Dish

• This recipe goes well with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.
• For a heartier meal, you could serve it with a side of roasted vegetables.

Keto Eggplant Manicotti Low Carb Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1100426490175210958/

An easy cheesy low-carb and keto-friendly manicotti that uses thinly sliced eggplant in place of noodles.

This is a great recipe to make ahead and freeze for a quick weeknight meal.

I like to make this recipe because it is relatively healthy and can be made ahead of time.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add extra flavor to this dish, you can try adding some herbs to the filling or topping the dish with a homemade tomato sauce.

Crepes-Style Manicotti Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/433330795408551606/

Simple, tasty, and elegant, this Crepes-Style Manicotti Recipe is one of my favorites to make for dinner parties.

I love how the crepes look like they took hours to make, when in reality they’re pretty simple to prepare.

And, you can stuff them with just about anything you like.

I usually go with a classic combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, but you could also try a spinach and feta filling, or a meaty sauce.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to your manicotti, try brushing the crepes with a little bit of olive oil before you bake them.

This will help them to brown nicely and give them a little extra flavor.

No-Boil Spinach Manicotti with Creamy Tomato Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/288371182403357627/

Don’t boil the manicotti noodles before filling and baking them- this recipe is much easier and just as delicious.

I love to make this recipe when I’m short on time but still want to serve a tasty, home-cooked meal.

The creamy tomato sauce is also a great way to use up any extra tomatoes you might have.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, try sprinkling some shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce before baking.

You could also add some chopped fresh basil to the tomato sauce.

Three Cheese Manicotti with Italian Sausage Marinara

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5840674508159355/

This recipe is saucy, cheesy and downright delicious – everything you could want in a manicotti dish.

I like to make it when I’m looking for a hearty meal that will please a crowd.

It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat later.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this recipe, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

You can also top the finished dish with some fresh basil leaves.

Lemon Chicken Stuffed Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/11962755253074902/

Loaded with chicken and asparagus and topped with a creamy lemon sauce, this recipe for lemon chicken stuffed manicotti is one of my favorites.

I love to make it when I want a delicious and impressive dish that is still relatively easy to prepare.

The flavor is always spot on, and it always gets rave reviews from my family and friends.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, I suggest adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the filling mixture.

It adds a nice depth of flavor that takes it over the top.

Sicilian Style Easy Manicotti Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/211528513741253915/

Ricotta cheese, shredded cheese, grated cheese and garlic stuffing make this dish so flavorful, and it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy manicotti.

I like to make this recipe when I’m looking for a hearty dish that’s packed with flavor.

It’s also a great option when you’re entertaining, because it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you’re looking to add even more flavor to this dish, try adding some cooked sausage or ground beef to the filling.

You can also mix in some sauteed onions or mushrooms.

For a bit of a kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or topping the dish with a spicy marinara sauce.

Ground Beef Stuffed Manicotti

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/653162752221725249/

Filled with ground beef and cheese and topped with a homemade sauce, this manicotti recipe is one of my favorites to make for dinner.

I like to make it when I have friends or family coming over, because it always gets rave reviews.

Plus, it’s a dish that can be made ahead of time, which is always helpful when entertaining.

How To Add Extra Flavor

If you want to add a little extra flavor to this dish, try using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.

You can also swap out the mozzarella cheese for another variety, such as provolone or Parmesan.