Gluten Free Manicotti Recipe for a Delicious Dinner

Manicotti is a classic Italian comfort dish loved by many for its creamy ricotta filling and rich tomato sauce. However, for those following a gluten-free diet, traditional manicotti pasta can be off-limits.

Fortunately, this gluten free manicotti recipe offers the perfect solution without compromising on flavor or texture. Using gluten-free pasta tubes or homemade gluten-free pasta sheets, this dish is just as satisfying and equally impressive on the dinner table.

Whether you’re gluten intolerant, have celiac disease, or simply looking to reduce gluten intake, this recipe is designed to be accessible and easy to follow. The filling combines creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh herbs, baked under a generous layer of marinara sauce and melted cheese.

It’s a great dish to prepare for family dinners or special occasions, delivering that warm, comforting Italian flavor everyone loves.

Ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to a gluten-free Italian feast? Let’s dive into the recipe and transform this beloved classic into a gluten-free delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gluten free manicotti recipe is perfect for anyone craving that authentic Italian taste without the gluten. It uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can find at most grocery stores.

The pasta maintains a tender yet firm texture that holds up beautifully to the ricotta filling and rich sauce.

Key reasons to love this recipe:

• Gluten-free friendly: Uses gluten-free pasta tubes or sheets, making it safe for celiac and gluten-sensitive eaters.
• Easy to customize: You can add spinach, ground meat, or different cheeses to suit your preferences.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare in advance and bake when ready, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
• Rich, flavorful sauce: Homemade or store-bought marinara enhances the dish with robust Italian flavors.

Ingredients

• 12 gluten-free manicotti pasta tubes (or gluten-free lasagna sheets to roll)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, gluten-free)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Olive oil for greasing the baking dish
• Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped and sautéed (for a veggie boost)

Equipment

• Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or piping bag for filling pasta tubes
• Colander
• Skillet (if sautéing spinach)
• Grater (for cheese)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the gluten-free manicotti tubes according to package instructions. Be careful not to overcook; they should be al dente so they don’t break when filled. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. If using spinach, fold in the sautéed, drained spinach now.
4. Fill the manicotti tubes: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each pasta tube with the cheese mixture. Be gentle so they don’t break.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Arrange the filled manicotti tubes in a single layer over the sauce.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti.
8. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, avoid overcooking your gluten-free pasta. It should still have a bite so it holds the filling well during baking.”

• Homemade gluten-free pasta: If you prefer, you can make your own gluten-free pasta sheets using almond flour or rice flour blends, then roll and fill as manicotti.
• Meat lovers: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the ricotta filling for a heartier dish.
• Vegetarian option: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers into the filling for extra veggies.
• Cheese swap: Substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese or add a bit of goat cheese for tang.
• Sauce variations: Try a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your gluten free manicotti hot and fresh from the oven, paired with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread made with gluten-free bread is a perfect accompaniment to soak up extra sauce.

For a cozy meal, pair it with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. Leftovers reheat well and make a delicious lunch the next day.

Conclusion

Enjoying Italian comfort food while adhering to a gluten-free diet doesn’t have to be challenging. This gluten free manicotti recipe delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic version with a safe, gluten-free twist.

Its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable filling options make it a versatile dish everyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this recipe will satisfy cravings and showcase that gluten-free meals can be just as delicious and hearty. Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade Italian cooking without compromise!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Gluten Free Manicotti”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious gluten free twist on classic manicotti filled with ricotta and spinach. Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT30M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H10M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 gluten free manicotti shells”, “2 cups ricotta cheese”, “1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped”, “1 large egg”, “2 cups marinara sauce”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon dried basil”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, egg, Parmesan, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Arrange filled shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle olive oil over the dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “20 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}