Manicotti is a cheesy, saucy, baked-to-perfection Italian classic. But unlike the usual carb-heavy versions, this one is loaded with over 30g of protein and 450 calories per serving, so you get all the flavor, minus the post-pasta slump.
The secret? Sturdy Marinara Sauce. Packed with 20g of protein per serving, it adds real nutrition to every bite (because weak sauces have no place here). Pair that with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and you’ve got a cheesy, protein-packed meal that actually fuels you.
What You’ll Need
- 16 oz Sturdy Marinara Sauce (80g protein per jar)
- 8 oz manicotti pasta
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 2 large eggs
- 24 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan, divided
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (trust us on this one)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make It
- Boil salted water, cook manicotti extra al dente (about 5 minutes), then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, then mix in ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and parsley until smooth.
- Fill a Ziploc or piping bag, snip the tip, and pipe the filling into each manicotti shell—quick, easy, no mess.
- Spread 1 cup of Sturdy Marinara Sauce in a baking dish. Add the stuffed manicotti in a single layer.
- Pour the rest of the sauce on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella & Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes (if you can wait), garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Made It? Show It Off!
We want to see your cheesy, saucy creations! Snap a pic, post it on Instagram, and tag us @sturdysauce. Whether you kept it classic or added your own twist, we’re here for it. Bonus points for the perfect cheese pull. Who knows? You might just get featured. Now go make this high-protein Italian masterpiece.