4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Holiday Manicotti

This easy slow cooker manicotti is the perfect comfort-food dinner when you want something delicious with minimal effort. Tender manicotti shells are stuffed with creamy ricotta, covered in marinara sauce, and finished with plenty of melted cheese. With just four main ingredients, it’s an easy meal for busy days and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 jar (24–26 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 container (15–16 oz) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1½ cups shredded Italian blend or mozzarella cheese, divided
• 12–14 dry manicotti shells

Instructions

1. Lightly grease a 5–6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little oil.
2. Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with 1 cup of the shredded cheese until well combined.
4. Transfer the ricotta mixture to a zip-top bag. Snip off one corner to make a simple piping bag.
5. Carefully fill each dry manicotti shell from both ends until the ricotta mixture reaches the center.
6. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti, making sure the pasta is completely covered.
8. Cover and cook on LOW for 3½–4½ hours, or until the manicotti are tender.
9. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese over the top.
10. Cover and cook for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Turn the slow cooker to WARM and let the manicotti rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tip

Serve hot with extra marinara sauce spooned over the top and a simple green salad or warm garlic bread on the side.

Makes about 6 servings.