This homemade manicotti is a classic comfort food dinner that’s perfect for feeding family.
Instead of traditional pasta shells, this recipe uses soft crepes that are filled, rolled, and baked in sauce for a meal that practically melts in your mouth.
If you’re looking for more meals like this, visit my Family Dinner Ideas for easy recipes everyone will love.
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This recipe has been updated over the years with a few new photos and helpful tips since it was first published in 2013.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Difficulty: Moderate | Servings: 6
Main Ingredients: homemade crepes, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, marinara sauce
Why You’ll Love It: A classic comfort food made with homemade crepes instead of pasta shells for a rich, homemade flavor that melts in your mouth.
Best For: Sunday dinner, family gatherings, or when you want a cozy, homemade meal
Instead of traditional pasta shells, this recipe uses homemade crepes. If you’ve never made them before, try my easy crepes recipe for beginners for step-by-step instructions.
How This Is Different from Traditional Manicotti
Traditional manicotti is made with pasta shells that are stuffed with a cheese filling. In this recipe, the shells are replaced with homemade crepes that are filled, rolled, and baked in sauce.
Using crepes gives this dish a softer, more delicate texture that you just don’t get with boxed pasta. They absorb the sauce beautifully and create that melt-in-your-mouth bite that makes this version a family favorite.
If you’ve never made crepes before, don’t worry, they’re simple to prepare and make a big difference in the final dish.
Main Ingredients Needed
Ingredients for the Homemade Crepes
4 eggs
1 cup water
1 cup flour
Ingredients for the Ricotta Filling
16 ounces ricotta cheese (2 cups)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the above together in a blender until smooth.
Step 2: Heat a small pan and spray with cooking spray. Using a ⅓ measuring cup, pour some batter into the pan and immediately begin to spread the batter around.
Step 3: Yes, pick up the pan and let the batter evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: After a minute, flip your crepe.
Step 5: Transfer the crepes to a dish and start stacking. Make sure you put a piece of wax paper in between each crepe.
How to Prepare the Ricotta Filling
Step 6: Combine the ricotta cheese with the egg.
Step 7: Spread a nice layer of the ricotta mixture down the center of one crepe.
Step 8: Gently fold over.
Step 9: Place them seam side down in a baking dish that has a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
Step 10: Cover with more tomato sauce.
Step 11: Spread some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top and bake at 350°F for 35 - 40 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
Cheryl @ TFD says
This looks scrumptious! I've never made manicotti before, but I've eaten it. It's delicious! Looking forward to your other pasta recipes. Enjoy your Friday!
Elena says
Wow, that looks so yummy! It's making my mouth water.
Beth says
The manicotti looks delicious.
April says
It's made from crepes? I would never have guessed that! Definitely a must try!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
I can't wait to try this!
Vee says
Oh I had no idea that manicotti was a crepe. Hmmm...this is within the realm of possibility. It looks wonderful.