12 Stuffed Manicotti Recipes with Cheese

I still remember the aroma of bubbling cheese and tangy tomato sauce wafting through my nonna’s kitchen every Sunday. As a kid, I’d perch on a stool, wide-eyed, watching her stuff manicotti tubes with creamy ricotta and spinach, then layer them in a dish that emerged golden and irresistible from the oven. Those family gatherings centered around her manicotti were pure magic—comfort food that brought everyone together, no matter the chaos of the week.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, pushing the boundaries of that classic Italian staple. With a fridge full of artisanal cheeses and fresh produce from the farmers’ market, I’ve created twists like spicy buffalo chicken fillings and luxurious crab-stuffed versions. In today’s fast-paced world, these cheesy stuffed manicotti recipes offer a nostalgic hug in pasta form—easy to prep ahead, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable for dietary tweaks.

Classic Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti

This timeless recipe features a creamy ricotta-spinach filling enriched with Parmesan and mozzarella for that perfect melty bite. Ingredients (serves 4-6): 12 manicotti shells, 2 cups ricotta, 1 cup chopped spinach (thawed and drained), 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, salt, pepper, 3 cups marinara sauce.
Boil manicotti until al dente, about 6 minutes, then cool. Mix ricotta, spinach, cheeses, egg, salt, and pepper. Stuff shells, place in a baking dish with marinara, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until bubbly. It’s packed with protein and greens for a balanced, comforting meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Four-Cheese Extravaganza Manicotti

Layered with ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and gorgonzola for ultimate cheesiness. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 1 cup each ricotta and mozzarella, ½ cup provolone and gorgonzola (crumbled), 1 egg, garlic powder, 3 cups Alfredo sauce.
Cook pasta, mix cheeses with egg and seasoning, stuff shells, cover with sauce, bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. The blend delivers bold flavors and calcium-rich benefits, making it a decadent yet nutritious dinner option that elevates weeknights.

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Stuffed Manicotti

Spicy shredded chicken mixed with blue cheese and cheddar for a game-day twist. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup shredded cheddar, ½ cup buffalo sauce, 1 cup ranch dressing for topping, 2 cups marinara.
Stuff cooked shells with chicken, cheeses, and sauce mix; bake covered in marinara at 375°F for 30 minutes, then uncovered 10 more. High-protein and low-carb relative to pizza, it’s a fun, flavorful way to satisfy cravings without the guilt.

Meatball Marinara Manicotti

Mini meatballs tucked inside with mozzarella and ricotta. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 1 lb ground beef (for 24 mini meatballs), 1 cup ricotta, 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella, 3 cups marinara, Italian seasoning.
Brown mini meatballs, mix ricotta and half the mozzarella, stuff with both, bake in sauce at 375°F for 35 minutes. Offers hearty protein for sustained energy, perfect for family meals that mimic your favorite sub.

Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Manicotti

Fresh basil pesto blended with mozzarella and ricotta. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 1 cup pesto, 1.5 cups mozzarella, 1 cup ricotta, 2 cups tomato sauce, pine nuts for garnish.
Combine pesto, cheeses; stuff shells, bake with sauce at 375°F for 30 minutes. Antioxidant-rich from pesto, it’s a lighter, herbaceous take that boosts mood with vibrant Italian flavors.

Sausage and Pepperoni Cheese Manicotti

Italian sausage, pepperoni, and provolone for a pizza-inspired fill. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 1 cup cooked crumbled sausage, ½ cup sliced pepperoni, 1.5 cups provolone, 1 cup ricotta, 3 cups pizza sauce.
Mix fillings, stuff, bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. Loaded with savory umami, it provides iron and satisfaction for pizza lovers seeking pasta variety.

Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Manicotti

Luxurious lump crab with cream cheese and parmesan. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 1.5 cups lump crab, 1 cup cream cheese, ½ cup parmesan, 2 cups lemony cream sauce.
Blend softened cream cheese with crab and parmesan; stuff and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Omega-3s from crab make it a seafood indulgence that’s elegant and heart-healthy.

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Manicotti

Chopped broccoli with sharp cheddar and ricotta for veggie power. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 2 cups steamed broccoli, 1.5 cups cheddar, 1 cup ricotta, 3 cups cheddar cheese sauce.
Chop and mix fillings; stuff, bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. Fiber-packed and vitamin-rich, it’s a sneaky way to love greens in cheesy comfort.

Mushroom Gorgonzola Manicotti

Earthy mushrooms with tangy gorgonzola and mozzarella. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 2 cups sautéed mushrooms, 1 cup gorgonzola, 1 cup mozzarella, 2 cups mushroom gravy.
Sauté mushrooms, mix cheeses; stuff and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Immunity-boosting mushrooms pair with bold cheese for a sophisticated, gut-friendly dish.

Greek Feta Spinach Manicotti

Feta, spinach, and mozzarella with olives. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 1 cup feta crumbles, 1 cup spinach, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup chopped olives, tzatziki sauce.
Mix fillings; stuff, bake with sauce at 375°F for 30 minutes. Probiotic feta aids digestion in this Mediterranean-inspired, refreshing cheesy bake.

Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Manicotti

Roasted sweet potato with creamy goat cheese. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potato, 1 cup goat cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, sage butter sauce.
Blend fillings; stuff, bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. Beta-carotene rich for eye health, this autumnal twist adds sweet-savory balance.

Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Manicotti

Spicy jalapeños, cream cheese, and cheddar. Ingredients: 12 manicotti, 1 cup diced jalapeños, 1 cup cream cheese, 1.5 cups cheddar, ranch sauce.
Mix with a kick; stuff, bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Metabolism-boosting spice in a cheesy shell for bold, appetizer-turned-dinner fun.

These 12 stuffed manicotti recipes with cheese are your ticket to pasta perfection—versatile, make-ahead wonders that transform simple ingredients into showstoppers. Grab your favorite cheeses, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself or your loved ones to a cheesy feast tonight. Which one will you try first? Share your twists in the comments!