Fall Comfort Food: Million Dollar Manicotti

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting pasta dish, this cheesy stuffed manicotti bake is sure to hit the spot. With a rich filling of creamy cheeses and savory herbs, all wrapped up in tender pasta shells and smothered in a flavorful meat sauce, this dish is pure comfort food heaven.

Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to put together. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you!

Yield: Serves 6

Photo byGLP

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cottage cheese (or ricotta for a creamier texture)
• 4 oz soft goat cheese (or cream cheese for a milder flavor)
• ½ cup shredded Asiago cheese (or Parmesan, grated)
• 3 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
• 1 large egg, whisked
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 8 oz manicotti pasta, uncooked
• 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite tomato pasta sauce
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground turkey)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the manicotti shells for 3-4 minutes. They should still be firm but flexible. Drain and cool.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in your chosen tomato sauce and let it simmer before removing from heat.
4. Spread about ½ cup of the meat sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, setting the rest aside for later.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, goat cheese, Asiago, 2 cups of the shredded Italian blend, egg, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Using a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner cut off, fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared dish.
7. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
8. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top, and return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
9. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Dig in and enjoy!

Substitutions:

• Swap ground sausage with ground turkey or beef for a lighter option.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, leave out the meat and add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.
• For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free pasta shells.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze this dish before baking for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

https://12tomatoes.com/million-dollar-manicotti/