If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and a delightful cheesy filling, this Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe is an absolute winner. It features tender pasta tubes stuffed with a savory blend of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, spinach, and fresh herbs, all baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella and marinara sauce. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests with a true Italian classic that bursts with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color, coming together to make a harmonious and satisfying meal.
- 14 Manicotti Pasta: These hollow tubes are perfect for holding the luscious filling inside.
- 1 lb Italian Sausage: Adds a robust, spicy foundation that’s key to the dish’s bold flavor.
- 16 ounces Ricotta: Provides creamy, smooth texture that balances the savory sausage.
- 1 & 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil, minced: Infuses a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 cup Frozen Spinach, thawed and drained: Adds color and subtle earthiness, plus a boost of nutrients.
- 24 Ounces Marinara Sauce: A rich, tangy tomato base that coats the manicotti perfectly.
- 1 Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the filling tender and cohesive.
- 5 Garlic Cloves, finely minced: Brings deep, savory warmth throughout the filling.
- 1 Sweet Onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and texture to the sausage mixture.
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Offers a subtle kick of spice.
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning: Packs in classic Italian herbs for authenticity.
- Basil for Garnish: A final touch of freshness and color when serving.
How to Make Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Spinach
Start by cooking the manicotti tubes for about five minutes in salted water. They should be just tender enough to fill without breaking apart later. While the pasta cooks, thaw and squeeze out every bit of moisture from the frozen spinach using a paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent watery filling.
Step 2: Cook Sausage with Aromatics
In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat, then toss in diced sweet onion and minced garlic. Cook these together until fragrant and softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let everything cool slightly — this keeps the filling from scrambling when mixed later.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
While that cools, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. This will be where our delicious manicotti bakes to cheesy perfection.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, spinach, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and your sausage, onion, and garlic mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly so every bite is bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Fill the Manicotti
Fill a piping bag with the ricotta mixture for easy filling, or use a spoon if preferred. Spread a layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of your prepared pan, then carefully pipe the filling into each manicotti tube. Place the filled manicotti snugly into the pan over the sauce.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Top everything with shredded mozzarella cheese, then cover your pan tightly with foil to lock in steam and keep the manicotti moist. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the manicotti for a vibrant, fresh touch. This little flourish adds color and a hint of herbal brightness that elevates the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of warmed marinara sauce can make your manicotti shine on the plate. Consider a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan for added umami and richness.
Side Dishes
This Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add contrast and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual manicotti portions in mini baking dishes or ramekins. Layer with extra sauce and mozzarella for a personal, elegant touch that makes any meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover manicotti keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but uncooked manicotti in the baking dish, tightly covered with foil and plastic wrap, for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Microwaving works too, but may result in a less crisp cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that still delivers great flavor in this Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe. Just be sure it’s seasoned well to maintain the dish’s bold taste.
Do I have to boil the manicotti before filling?
While traditionally the manicotti is boiled briefly to soften, some brands offer no-boil pasta tubes designed to cook fully in the sauce during baking. Check package instructions for best results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the Italian sausage and increase the spinach or add sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
What type of cheese works best inside the filling?
Ricotta is ideal for its creamy texture, while mozzarella on top adds that perfect melt. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan into the filling for a sharper flavor boost.
How long does it take to bake manicotti?
This Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe requires about 35 minutes in total: 25 minutes covered to gently cook and meld the flavors, then 10 minutes uncovered to brown the cheese nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a bubbling dish of Italian Sausage Manicotti out of the oven — the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and aromas all wrapped up in a cheesy, saucy embrace. I can’t encourage you enough to try this Italian Sausage Manicotti Recipe soon. It’s a wonderful way to bring a little Italian warmth into your home and share a fantastic meal with those you love.
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
Description
This Italian Sausage Manicotti recipe is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender manicotti 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, it’s perfect for a hearty family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 14 manicotti pasta shells
Filling
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 egg
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Garnish
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the manicotti pasta in salted water for about 5 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside. Prepare the spinach by wrapping it in a paper towel and squeezing out all excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the filling.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until no longer pink. Drain the fat carefully to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the sausage in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, thawed spinach, minced fresh basil, kosher salt, black pepper, and the cooled sausage mixture. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Fill a Piping Bag: Transfer the filling mixture into a piping bag to make filling the manicotti shells easier and neater. Pour marinara sauce evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Fill the Manicotti Shells: Carefully pipe the filling into each cooked manicotti shell. Place the filled shells in a single layer on top of the marinara sauce in the baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the arranged manicotti. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked manicotti from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy a warm, satisfying Italian meal.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery filling.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate for better flavor integration.
- Make sure not to overcook the manicotti shells in boiling water as they will cook more in the oven.
- Covering the dish while baking helps the pasta to steam and soften perfectly.
