Easy Manicotti Recipe Without Meat | Pasta for One

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Italian dish with our Easy Manicotti Recipe Without Meat. This vegetarian twist on traditional manicotti proves that you don’t need meat to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Easy Pasta

Easy Cheesy Pasta for One

Or 10, or 20, or as many people as you need to feed.  It’s quick, easy, inexpensive, and DELICIOUS.  Seriously, if you want more cheese in your life – this is your recipe.  Oh yeah – your kids will love helping you stuff the shells!

Manicotti Recipe Without Meat

Manicotti is Italian for “little sleeves.”  They are rather large pasta tubes that are intended to be stuffed and baked. While this recipe has no meat in it, you can easily add cooked italian sausage, ground beef or any other meat you desire.

How do I make stuffed Manicotti?

This recipe is so simple that my son who is in college can make it.  First, grab your ingredients: manicotti shells, string cheese, your favorite sauce, and some shredded cheese.

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Turn your oven or air-fryer set on bake up to 375. While that’s heating up, boil about 4 cups of salted water.  Boil the manicotti shells for 5 minutes.  They will still be a little hard but don’t worry, they will finish cooking in the oven.

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For every manicotti shell, place one stick of string cheese inside. The shells will be hot so make sure little fingers are safe.

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Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in a small casserole dish.

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Then cover with your favorite sauce… I use Best Spaghetti Sauce – Made With Bourbon!  When I make the sauce recipe, since I live alone, I either can or freeze it in small containers just for little ol’ me. After that, load it up with cheese.

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Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until golden brown. I know all that stretchy gooey goodness is tempting, but let it cool for just a minute so you don’t burn your mouth!

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Can I make a tasty manicotti recipe without using meat?

Absolutely! Meatless manicotti can be just as delicious and satisfying. There are plenty of vegetarian or vegan-friendly alternatives you can use to create a flavorful and hearty dish.

What are some meatless alternatives I can use in my manicotti?

There are several options for meatless fillings in manicotti. You can use a combination of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Another alternative is to use a blend of cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to create a rich and creamy filling.

More pasta recipes to try:

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Easy Pasta for One

Candy
This super easy cheesy pasta is perfect for 1 or more.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 370 kcal

Equipment

  • Small Casserole Dish
  • Medium pot
  • Pasta Strainer

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Manicotti pasta shells
  • 4 pieces of string cheese
  • 1 cup Spaghetti or Marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cup Shredded Mozzarella
  • .25 cup Fresh basil optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375℉
  • In a medium sized pot, boil manicotti shells in salted water for 5 minutes
  • Drain the shells, then place one piece of string cheese inside each shell
  • Place in a small casserole dish and cover with shredded cheese
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown
  • Garnish with fresh basil if desired

Notes

Use this same recipe for as many shells as you want to feed larger crowds.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 27gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 1123mgPotassium: 515mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1097IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 693mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cheese, Easy, Easy Meals, Manicotti, Mozzarella, Pasta
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