If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, cheesy hug on a plate, then the Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender pasta shells filled with a luscious blend of cheeses and savory Italian sausage, smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan. The result is a truly indulgent, comforting meal that’s perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones and sharing smiles. Once you try this luxurious recipe, it will quickly earn a permanent spot among your favorite family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the creamy, savory, and satisfying layers that make the Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe so special. From the al dente pasta shells that cradle the filling to the perfectly seasoned sausage and the blend of cheeses, every bite bursts with flavor and texture.
- Manicotti pasta (8 oz): These large tubes are perfect for stuffing and hold the filling beautifully.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds a hearty, spicy flavor that complements the creamy cheese filling.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz): The rich tomato-based sauce keeps everything moist and adds a tangy depth.
- Cottage cheese (2 cups): Provides a light creaminess and a slight tang to balance richer ingredients.
- Cream cheese (4 oz): Adds decadence and a velvety texture to the filling.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Enhances the creaminess with a subtle tang.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Gives that warm, aromatic lift without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor notes.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible golden, gooey topping.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the cheese filling so it holds its shape inside the pasta.
- Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a nutty, salty finish to the dish’s cheesy topping.
How to Make Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cook the manicotti pasta in boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes—just enough to soften them without losing their shape. Drain and set aside to cool slightly, as firm shells make filling easier.
Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage and Sauce
While the pasta is cooling, cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily. Then stir in the entire jar of marinara sauce to marry those flavors. Spread about ½ cup of this meat sauce evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish; it’ll create a delicious base that keeps the manicotti moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, 1 cup of mozzarella, and the egg. This mixture is where all the creamy magic happens. The cream cheese lends a luscious richness, while cottage cheese and sour cream add a light body and tang. The mozzarella contributes to stretchy, melty goodness. Mix thoroughly for a perfectly uniform filling.
Step 4: Fill the Manicotti Shells
Transfer the cheese mixture to a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off for easy piping. Carefully pipe the mixture into each manicotti shell, filling them generously but without overstuffing to prevent splitting. Place the filled shells neatly in the baking dish on top of the marinara meat sauce.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Bake
Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring every one gets covered. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pasta to soften perfectly. Afterward, sprinkle the dish with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan. Return it to the oven for 5 to 10 more minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden finish.
How to Serve Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that perfectly contrasts the richness of the dish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also bring out the flavors even more, while a few red pepper flakes add a subtle kick for those who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
Serve your Million Dollar Manicotti alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the cheese and sausage richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate. Steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a fresh, crunchy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress your guests, try serving individual manicotti portions on warm plates loaded with sauce and garnished stylishly. You can even spoon some sauce into shallow bowls and nestle the stuffed pasta in for a rustic, elegant look. For a family-friendly approach, bake the dish in smaller ramekins or mini casserole dishes for personal servings that feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the freshly baked Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making for convenient and delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the manicotti in your baking dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap before placing in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if still slightly frozen.
Reheating
When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350ºF until heated through, usually around 20 to 25 minutes. You can also microwave single portions on medium power, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without overcooking the pasta or cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in the Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds great flavor, ground beef or turkey work well too if you prefer a milder taste or want a leaner option.
Is there a substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe?
You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if you want a smoother texture and a more traditional Italian flavor profile.
How do I prevent the pasta shells from falling apart?
Cooking the shells just until they’re pliable but still firm is key. Under-cooking slightly and then baking fully in the sauce helps the pasta keep its shape without turning mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, diced vegetables, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the manicotti?
Cover the dish with foil when reheating in the oven to retain moisture, and adding a splash of extra sauce or water can help keep it juicy.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe is like opening a treasure chest of comforting flavors and creamy textures that bring joy with every bite. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight dinner deserving of a little extra love, this recipe delivers every time. Roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and prepare to impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like a million bucks!
Print
Million Dollar Manicotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Manicotti is a hearty and comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring tender manicotti shells stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture and rich Italian sausage, all baked in savory marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This satisfying casserole is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (8-oz) box manicotti pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Filling
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the manicotti pasta shells and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender but still firm. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Cook Sausage and Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the entire jar of marinara sauce. Spread about ½ cup of this meat sauce evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Set aside.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the egg. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Fill Pasta Shells: Transfer the cheese filling to a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the filling into each of the partially cooked manicotti shells, filling them generously without overstuffing. Place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish over the meat sauce.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Spread the remaining meat sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to bubble.
- Add Cheese Toppings and Finish Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Partially cooking the manicotti shells before filling helps prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
- Using a pastry bag or plastic bag for filling makes the process cleaner and easier.
- Feel free to swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese filling or sauce.
