5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Stuffed Manicotti

Introduction

This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Stuffed Manicotti is a simple, comforting Italian-inspired meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Instead of boiling the pasta first, the manicotti cooks slowly in a rich marinara sauce, becoming perfectly tender while the creamy cheese filling melts into every bite. With only five basic ingredients, this recipe delivers classic homemade flavor with very little effort.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) box manicotti shells (about 14 shells), uncooked
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese until well blended.
2. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each uncooked manicotti shell.
3. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.
5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti, making sure all the pasta is covered.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours or until the manicotti is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the manicotti rest for about 10 minutes before serving to help it hold its shape.

Description

This slow cooker stuffed manicotti features tender pasta filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all smothered in savory marinara sauce. The slow cooking process allows the uncooked pasta to absorb moisture from the sauce, creating a perfectly cooked dish without the need for boiling. It’s a satisfying vegetarian meal that pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

Tips

• Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to easily fill the manicotti shells.
• Ensure every shell is completely covered with sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out.
• Avoid overfilling the slow cooker; a single layer cooks most evenly.
• Allow the dish to rest before serving so the filling stays inside the shells.
• Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor, but pre-grated works well too.

Variations

• Meat Lover’s: Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the cheese filling.
• Spinach Manicotti: Stir 1 cup of chopped, well-drained cooked spinach into the ricotta mixture.
• Three-Cheese Version: Substitute some ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
• Spicy: Mix crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
• Herb Flavor: Add Italian seasoning, basil, or parsley to the cheese filling for extra flavor.

Correction

For the best results, the pasta should remain uncooked before stuffing. Be sure the manicotti shells are completely covered with marinara sauce throughout cooking so they soften properly. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so begin checking for tenderness after about 3 hours on the Low setting. If your marinara sauce is especially thick, stir in about ¼ cup of water before pouring it over the pasta to ensure enough moisture for even cooking.