Description
This easy Cheese Manicotti recipe features pasta tubes filled with a creamy plant-based cheese blend and plant-based smoked bacon, baked in a rich marinara sauce (natural). It is a comforting, flavorful Italian dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Bursting with plant-based cheese meltiness, smoky savory elements, fresh herbs, and tender pasta, this dish is a cozy, versatile crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 6 slices smoked plant-based bacon, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based ricotta-style cheese
- 1 cup plant-based cheese blend, shredded
- 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes
- 3 cups marinara sauce (natural)
Garnishes and Serving
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Olive oil (natural), optional drizzle
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped smoked plant-based bacon in a pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with plant-based ricotta-style cheese, plant-based cheese blend, chopped spinach, fresh basil, fresh parsley, and natural gelling agent. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta Tubes: Boil manicotti tubes according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and rinse under cool water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
- Stuff the Manicotti: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each manicotti tube generously with the prepared cheese and smoked plant-based bacon mixture. Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during baking.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (natural) on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti tubes in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top until all tubes are well covered.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to thicken and the top to become slightly golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Try fresh manicotti pasta for a more tender texture.
- Do not overfill the pasta tubes to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Use room temperature filling for easier stuffing and even cooking.
- Let the baked dish rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top just before serving for brightness and color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cheese Manicotti, plant-based cheese, smoked plant-based bacon, Italian pasta, creamy filling, comfort food, dairy-free, baked pasta
