If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the best of Italian comfort food, this Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe is an absolute winner. Filled with a savory blend of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and fragrant herbs, nestled inside tender manicotti shells and baked with rich marinara and melted mozzarella, this dish delivers layers of indulgent taste with every bite. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that feels special enough for company yet easy enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make all the difference in pulling together a dish as delightful as this Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s building flavor, creating creamy texture, or adding that vibrant pop of color that makes the dish so inviting.
- 14 Manicotti Pasta: The perfect tube-shaped pasta to hold that delicious filling inside.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Adds a robust, savory flavor that forms the backbone of the filling.
- 16 ounces Ricotta: Gives a creamy, smooth texture that balances the meatiness perfectly.
- 1 & 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully, creating a bubbly, golden topping.
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil minced: Infuses fresh herbal brightness and aroma.
- 1/2 cup Frozen Spinach thawed and drained: Adds color, nutrition, and a subtle earthiness.
- 24 Ounces Marinara Sauce: Brings rich tomato flavor and moisture to bake everything together.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder, helping the filling hold its shape inside the pasta.
- 5 Garlic cloves finely minced: Pungent and aromatic, garlic elevates every bite.
- 1 Sweet Onion Diced: Softens while cooking, adding slight sweetness and depth.
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Provides a bit of heat and seasoning balance.
- 1 Teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the Italian flavors together beautifully.
- Basil for garnish: Adds a fresh and lively finishing touch.
How to Make Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Spinach
Start by cooking the manicotti in salted water for about 5 minutes—just enough so they’re tender but still firm, since they’ll cook more in the oven. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, make sure to thoroughly drain the thawed spinach by wrapping it in paper towels and squeezing out all excess liquid. This keeps your filling from becoming watery and helps maintain that luscious creamy texture inside the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
In a hot skillet, brown the Italian sausage until there’s no pink left, then drain any fat so the mixture isn’t greasy. Add finely diced sweet onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté just until softened—about 2 to 3 minutes—allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully. After cooking, take the skillet off the heat to let the mixture cool; this prevents the egg in the filling from cooking prematurely when mixed.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats, lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step means your manicotti won’t stick, making clean up a breeze and helping the cheesy top stay intact.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, drained spinach, minced fresh basil, kosher salt, black pepper, and the cooled sausage mixture. Stir it all together until evenly combined, creating a deliciously savory and creamy filling that will make your manicotti irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble the Manicotti
Pour the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, to fill the manicotti neatly and avoid mess, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the filling into each manicotti shell. Place each filled pasta tube in the sauce side by side, making sure they fit snugly to support one another during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the stuffed manicotti and cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered to let everything meld and heat through, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes so the cheese can bubble, brown, and add that perfect layer of golden goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and vibrant aroma that really sets the dish off. The final look is as stunning as the flavors are inviting!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe
Garnishes
A simple handful of fresh basil leaves does wonders for this dish, adding a pop of green and herbal brightness. For extra flair, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the serving experience even further.
Side Dishes
Italian Sausage Manicotti pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides such as a Caesar salad or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm baguette to mop up sauce is a no-brainer, making this meal a complete, satisfying Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the manicotti with individual portions plated with a drizzle of pesto or sun-dried tomato oil. You can also make mini manicotti bites for appetizer-style serving at parties, using jumbo pasta shells to create a bite-sized version of this classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Sausage Manicotti keeps really well in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe on a busy night, assemble the manicotti but don’t bake it. Freeze the dish tightly covered until ready to bake. When frozen, it can last up to 3 months and still taste fantastic after baking directly from frozen (adding extra bake time).
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the pasta moist and the cheese melty without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Yes! Ground beef can be a substitute, though Italian sausage adds a unique blend of herbs and spices. You can spice up your beef with Italian seasoning to get closer to that classic flavor.
Do I need to boil the manicotti for the full cooking time listed on the package?
For this recipe, cook the manicotti for about half of the recommended package time so the pasta is al dente and doesn’t get too soft after baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and consider adding mushrooms, eggplant, or extra spinach to the filling for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is fresh spinach better than frozen?
Frozen spinach works perfectly here because it’s already wilted and easy to drain, which helps prevent watery filling. Fresh spinach can also be used if cooked and thoroughly drained beforehand.
How can I tell when my manicotti is done baking?
The cheese topping should be bubbly and golden brown, and the filling should be hot all the way through. If you’re unsure, insert a knife in one piece to check warmth in the center.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds and smiles. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—ideal any time you want to share a little Italian magic with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; once you do, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Italian Sausage Manicotti recipe combines tender pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, ricotta, spinach, and fresh herbs, baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 14 Manicotti Pasta shells
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 16 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
Vegetables & Herbs
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- Basil for garnish
Seasonings & Sauces
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti pasta shells for approximately 5 minutes until they are al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. To prepare the spinach, place thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze tightly to remove all excess moisture.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Make Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, sautéed sausage mixture, drained spinach, minced fresh basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill Manicotti Shells: Transfer the cheese and sausage filling into a piping bag or use a spoon to carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the filling. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the filled manicotti. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the manicotti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your warm and hearty Italian Sausage Manicotti!
Notes
- Drain the spinach thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the filling watery.
- Using a piping bag makes filling the manicotti shells easier and less messy.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider using hot Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
- Covering the dish during the initial baking helps keep the manicotti moist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
