If you’re craving a hearty, comforting Italian dish that brings the whole family to the table, look no further than this delicious Baked Sausage Manicotti Recipe. Stuffed with a savory mixture of creamy cottage cheese and flavorful Italian sausage, then bathed in rich spaghetti sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to make for guests, turning basic ingredients into something truly memorable and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, everyday ingredients will set you up for a dish full of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Each component plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance between creamy, meaty, and cheesy goodness.
- Manicotti shells (8-oz box): The tubular pasta holds all the delicious filling, making every bite a perfect package of flavor.
- Cottage cheese (2 cups): Adds creaminess and a light tang that contrasts beautifully with the savory sausage.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Brings bold, seasoned meatiness that enriches every mouthful.
- Oregano (¼ tsp): Provides a subtle herbal note to deepen the flavor profile.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp): Infuses a gentle garlic aroma without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Spaghetti sauce (24-oz jar): Coats the manicotti with a sweet and tangy tomato base, keeping the dish moist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into a stretchy, cloud-like topping that’s irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a sharp, umami kick that finishes the dish perfectly.
How to Make Baked Sausage Manicotti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, ensuring it’s nice and ready to bake your manicotti evenly. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, which will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Lay Down the Sauce Base
Spread about half a cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a flavorful bed for the manicotti to rest on and helps keep the pasta moist as it cooks.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, uncooked Italian sausage, oregano, and garlic powder. Mixing the sausage in uncooked may raise eyebrows, but as it bakes inside the pasta, it cooks through perfectly alongside the creamy cheese, locking in all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Stuff the Manicotti Shells
Spoon the cheese and sausage mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the mixture, ensuring it’s nicely packed without tearing the delicate pasta. This step is where the anticipation begins!
Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Place the stuffed manicotti shells snugly into the prepared dish over the sauce layer. Then, ladle the remaining spaghetti sauce generously over the top, enveloping each shell for maximum saucy goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the manicotti uncovered for 50 to 55 minutes, allowing the sausage to cook fully and the pasta to soften beautifully. This slow baking lets all the flavors meld together into one harmonious dish.
Step 7: Add the Cheese Finish
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Pop it back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles deliciously, creating a golden, irresistible crust.
How to Serve Baked Sausage Manicotti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the deep flavors and adds a pop of color. A dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving can also bring an extra layer of cheesy goodness that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This baked sausage manicotti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon or a side of steamed broccoli to add some fresh texture and balance the rich flavors. Garlic bread is another classic option that soaks up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual manicotti portions on decorative plates topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a twist of cracked black pepper for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Alternatively, bake the manicotti in single-serving ramekins for a charming and personal touch at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked sausage manicotti keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save your manicotti for later, freeze the unbaked assembled dish before putting it in the oven. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through—about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring or rotating to heat evenly without losing the dish’s delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use cooked sausage instead of raw in the Baked Sausage Manicotti Recipe?
Yes, you can cook the sausage beforehand if you prefer. Just be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming too oily and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and onions for a tasty vegetarian filling that still packs plenty of flavor and texture.
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta gives a creamier texture and slightly different flavor. If you prefer a smoother filling, ricotta is a wonderful choice and works perfectly in this recipe.
Do I need to boil the manicotti shells before stuffing?
No need! This recipe uses uncooked manicotti shells that cook through in the sauce during baking, saving you time and reducing mess in the kitchen.
How spicy is this Baked Sausage Manicotti Recipe?
The spice level depends on the sausage you use. Italian sausages range from mild to spicy, so choose your favorite to match your preferred heat level. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick if desired.
Final Thoughts
Making this Baked Sausage Manicotti Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, flavorful gift that’s perfect for sharing. It’s a dish that feels special yet is so accessible, and once you’ve tasted that first cheesy, meaty bite, you’ll understand why it’s been a favorite in so many kitchens. Trust me, this recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation—you won’t regret it!
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Baked Sausage Manicotti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes + 5 minutes (cheese topping)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Sausage Manicotti is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring uncooked manicotti pasta stuffed with a savory mixture of cottage cheese and Italian sausage, baked in rich spaghetti sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines creamy, cheesy filling and flavorful sausage in a simple yet delicious bake.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (8-oz) box manicotti shells
Filling
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 lb Italian sausage (uncooked)
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Sauce and Topping
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Spread Sauce Base: Pour and evenly spread ½ cup of the spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Set aside for assembly.
- Make Filling Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, uncooked Italian sausage, oregano, and garlic powder thoroughly until well mixed.
- Stuff Manicotti Shells: Transfer the cheese and sausage mixture into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully stuff each uncooked manicotti shell with the filling, ensuring they are full but not bursting.
- Arrange Shells and Add Sauce: Place the stuffed manicotti shells upright in the prepared baking dish on top of the spread sauce. Then pour the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the shells.
- Bake Covered: Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and the filling to set.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Using uncooked Italian sausage in the filling requires thorough baking to ensure the meat is fully cooked inside the manicotti.
- For easier stuffing, slightly soften the manicotti shells by briefly boiling or soaking, if desired.
- Feel free to substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley to the filling can enhance the flavor.
