Copycat Olive Garden Manicotti

The Copycat Olive Garden Manicotti Recipe is a delicious, homemade version of the restaurant’s classic dish. It features large pasta shells stuffed with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, along with spinach for extra flavor. The manicotti is then baked in a savory marinara sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. This easy-to-make dish delivers the same comforting, cheesy goodness as the Olive Garden original, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Craving Olive Garden’s cheesy, flavorful manicotti? Now you can make this iconic dish right at home with this easy copycat recipe!

Large pasta shells are stuffed with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then smothered in marinara sauce and baked to perfection. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy, comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Creamy and Cheesy – The perfect blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy filling that’s irresistible in every bite.
• Restaurant Quality at Home – Enjoy this beloved Olive Garden dish with ease, bringing that restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
• Comfort Food Classic – This hearty, cheesy manicotti is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a delicious homemade dish without the hassle.
• Customizable – Add your favorite ingredients like spinach, herbs, or extra cheese to make this recipe your own and adjust it to your taste!

If you love Copycat Olive Garden Recipes, try my recipe for Olive Garden Calamari Copycat, Olive Garden Garlic Herb Sauce, or Copycat Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• Manicotti pasta – One box of manicotti pasta, cooked al dente.
• Ricotta cheese – Creamy ricotta cheese for filling.
• Eggs – Lightly beaten for binding the filling.
• Salt – To enhance the flavors.
• Sugar – To balance the acidity.
• Pepper – For seasoning the filling.
• Parmesan cheese – For added flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese – For ultimate creaminess.
• Spaghetti sauce – For classic flavors.

How To Make Copycat Olive Garden Manicotti

Step One: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step Two: Cook the manicotti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step Three: Prepare the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, salt, sugar, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Carefully stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

Step Four: Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in the dish and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the manicotti.

Step Five: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving.

Copycat Olive Garden Manicotti Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Manicotti shells should be al dente. Overcooking can cause them to tear while stuffing. Boil them for the shortest time recommended on the box.
• Stuff the shells carefully: Use a spoon or piping bag to gently fill each manicotti shell. Be careful not to overstuff, as it can cause the pasta to break.
• Make your own sauce: While store-bought marinara works fine, making your own sauce can add extra flavor and authenticity.
• Cover with foil: When baking, cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes to help the filling heat through. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
• Use fresh mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy, melty texture that pairs beautifully with the ricotta filling.
• Add extra toppings: For extra flavor, top the manicotti with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
• Make ahead: This dish can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping or dinner parties. Just bake it when you’re ready!

Storing

• Storing: If you have leftovers, allow the manicotti to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the manicotti in the baking dish but do not bake it yet. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheat in the Oven: To reheat refrigerated or frozen manicotti, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes if refrigerated or 40-45 minutes if frozen, until heated through.
• Reheat in the Microwave: For a quicker option, you can microwave individual servings. Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.

What To Serve With Olive Garden Copycat Manicotti Recipe

Pair your Olive Garden Copycat Manicotti with classic Italian sides for a truly comforting meal. A fresh green salad with Italian dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the cheese-filled pasta. Add some garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the marinara sauce and bring an extra layer of flavor.

For a lighter touch, consider serving some steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini, to complement the hearty dish. And don’t forget a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea to complete your Italian-inspired feast!

Olive Garden Copycat Manicotti Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? While manicotti shells are traditional, you can substitute with other large pasta tubes like cannelloni if needed. Just make sure the shells are large enough to hold the cheese filling.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! This Olive Garden Copycat Manicotti is already vegetarian, as it uses a cheese filling. If you’d like to add more veggies, consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the manicotti the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it when you’re ready. It’s a great meal prep option.

Can I freeze the manicotti before baking? Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

How do I prevent the manicotti shells from tearing when stuffing them? Make sure to cook the manicotti shells al dente, as overcooking can make them more fragile. Handle the shells gently while stuffing them, and use a spoon or piping bag for easy filling.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes! Store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe. However, if you prefer, you can make your own homemade sauce for a more personalized touch.

How long should I bake the manicotti? Bake the manicotti at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes covered with foil. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become golden and bubbly.

How can I make the filling richer? For a richer filling, try adding a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone to the ricotta mixture. You can also experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

More Easy Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

• olive garden chicken scampi
• olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe
• olive garden stuffed ziti fritta
• olive garden chicken marsala recipe
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• air fryer copycat olive garden chicken parmigiana
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• instant pot copycat olive garden spinach artichoke dip
• air fryer olive garden fried mozzarella

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