This Easy Baked Manicotti is packed with flavor, easy to assemble, and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. The ricotta filling and marinara sauce come together beautifully, and with some simple substitutions, it stays on track with WW.

Ingredients:

  • 12 manicotti pasta shells (uncooked)
  • 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese (or part-skim for fewer points)
  • 1 1/2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg (or 1/4 cup egg substitute for fewer points)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (low-sugar, or homemade for fewer points)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the Manicotti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried basil, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Stuff the Manicotti: Once the pasta shells have cooled enough to handle, stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to fill them more easily.
  5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish in a single layer.
  6. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they’re all covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve & Enjoy: Let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

WW Points (Approximate):

  • SmartPoints: This Easy Baked Manicotti is about 6-7 SmartPoints per serving (2 manicotti shells) depending on the specific ingredients used, especially the type of cheese and marinara sauce. You can reduce points by using a lighter cheese or more homemade sauce.

Pro Tips:

  • Lighten It Up: You can reduce the points further by using fat-free ricotta cheese or skipping the mozzarella topping and just using a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  • Add Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture for extra veggies and fiber without adding many points.
  • Meal Prep: This dish makes great leftovers and can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. It also freezes well if you want to save some for later!

This Easy Baked Manicotti is a delicious and satisfying meal that feels indulgent but can still fit into a WW-friendly lifestyle. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and great for feeding a crowd or making ahead!