Okay, so you’re a manicotti fan, right? Me too! That creamy, cheesy goodness all wrapped up in pasta… chef’s kiss. Now, have you seen all the buzz about using string cheese instead of trying to stuff those tricky manicotti shells? Honestly, I first spotted this genius idea floating around on Pinterest (apparently TikTok’s in on it too!), and my curiosity totally got the better of me. So I decided to make a small batch. Let me tell you, giving this string cheese shortcut a whirl was one of those “why didn’t I think of that?!” moments. And you know what? I’m so glad I did.
Take A Look
Easy Manicotti | String Cheese Version
Craving comfort without the fuss? Try my Easy Manicotti – a simple yet satisfying twist on a classic! Imagine creamy string cheese nestled in a blanket of rich, fire-roasted tomato and garlic pasta sauce. Each bite is a burst of savory tomato goodness wrapped around a melt-in-your-mouth core of cheesy delight. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s pure comfort food perfection! This recipe is for a small batch.
simple-
Prep time: 20 minutes -
Baking time: 40 minutes -
Total time: 1 hours
Ingredients
| 1/2 | of an 8oz package of Manicotti shells |
| 7 | sticks of String Cheese |
| 24oz Jar of fire roasted tomato & garlic pasts sauce (I used Classico) | |
| 1 | Lb. ground sausage (I used Jimmy Dean Regular) |
| 1/2 | Cup shredded Italian Cheese |
Utensils
- Skillet
- Stock pot or sauce pan
- 9×13 baking pan or dish
- Spatula and mixing spoon
- Serving spoons and dinnerware
Steps of preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C)
- Boil Manicotti to package directions
- While manicotti is boiling brown ground sausage in skillet until no pink is left showing. Drain.
- When manicotti is done remove from water and set aside until cool enough to handle
- In a sauce pan combine sausage and pasta sauce
- Add some sauce to a 9×13 baking dish or pan
- Next begin sliding 1 cheese stick inside of the manicotti and line the baking pan
- Pour remaining sauce over manicotti and spread.
- Bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Then sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese over and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
—Experiment and try with different flavored string cheeses.
— Serve with homemade butter bread or bread made with frozen dough and a salad.
— Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
— Leftovers taste great heated in the microwave.
— If you’re making the whole package of manicotti use a second jar of sauce.
…It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s pure comfort food. This Easy Manicotti is the perfect way to warm up your soul and satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Treat yourself to a deliciously simple Italian-inspired meal tonight. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!” Enjoy a taste of Italy, made easy.
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I love recipes like this! :) I’ve stuffed manicotti but I don’t LIKE stuffing manicotti. LOL I think I’ll cut pieces from a block of mozzarella instead of cheese strings since they’re ridiculously priced around here, but I’m definitely putting this on my menu plan for next week.
I love this! I’m always up for easy and yummy recipes. This is brilliant! :) Visiting from the Talking About it Tuesdays linkup.
That sounds so yummy!
Thanks so much. It was.
Thank you for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #60 linkup, too! We look forward to seeing what you’ll share at #61–it opens Monday. Have a great rest of your week.