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Delicious simple sausage manicotti served on a plate, topped with marinara sauce.

Simple Sausage Manicotti

A comforting weeknight pasta bake featuring seasoned turkey sausage and creamy ricotta, all enveloped in tender manicotti shells and topped with melted mozzarella.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling Ingredients
  • 1 lb turkey Italian sausage Preferably Johnsonville mild for better seasoning balance
  • 16 oz ricotta Galbani for its smooth, creamy texture
  • 1 egg egg
  • 1.25 cups mozzarella Freshly shredded for better melting
  • 0.75 cup parmesan Freshly shredded for better melting
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Adjust based on spice preference
  • salt to taste salt
  • pepper to taste pepper
Sauce and Shell Ingredients
  • 2.75 cups marinara Use Rao's Homemade for authentic flavor
  • 12 pieces manicotti
  • 2.5 tsp olive oil For cooking sausage
  • 1/2 cup onion Diced
  • 2.5 tsp garlic Minced
  • cooking spray cooking spray For greasing the baking dish
  • 1.75 cups mozzarella For topping, freshly shredded
  • 3 tbsp parsley For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the turkey Italian sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon until cooked through.
  4. Add the diced onion and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until soft.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds before removing from heat.
Filling
  1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1.25 cups mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  2. Fold the cooled sausage mixture into the cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Cooking the Manicotti
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add manicotti shells.
  2. Cook for 1-2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta carefully and lay shells out to prevent sticking.
  4. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and sausage filling and arrange in the baking dish seam-side down.
  6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all noodles are covered.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove foil, sprinkle 1.75 cups mozzarella evenly on top, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes to help the filling set.
Serving
  1. Garnish the manicotti with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Allow leftovers to sit for a day as they get better with time. For freezing, wrap tightly and freeze before baking.