Stuffed Manicotti with String Cheese
Stuffed Manicotti with String Cheese is a tasty and easy-to-make dish. Pasta shells are filled with creamy string cheese and baked in marinara sauce for a delicious meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional
- 12 string cheese sticks cut in half
- 6 cups marinara sauce divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix well.
- Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta cheese mixture. Then insert one half of a string cheese stick into the middle of the ricotta mixture.
- Arrange stuffed manicotti shells in the baking dish over the marinara sauce.
- Pour the remaining 4 cups of marinara sauce over the manicotti.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- String Cheese: You can use any type of string cheese, but mozzarella works best for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Filling Tip: Make sure the string cheese is shredded or pulled apart into small pieces to easily stuff the pasta shells.
- Sauce Variation: Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce or make your own for extra flavor.
- Pasta Tip: Boil the manicotti shells until al dente, as they will cook further in the oven.
- Baking Tip: Cover with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning, then uncover in the last 10 minutes to let the top get golden.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.