What to Serve with Manicotti: 34 Must-Try Dishes for Your Feast

Have you ever found yourself preparing a delicious tray of manicotti and then paused, fork in hand, wondering what to pair it with? Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with a delightful list of accompaniments that span the breadth of Italian cuisine, from crisp salads and aromatic breads, to mouthwatering antipasti and indulgent desserts.

So dive in, explore these pairings, and discover a combination that makes your tastebuds sing.

I’ve sorted the recipes into neat categories. Just use the navigation below to find your next best dish!

What is Manicotti?

So, what’s manicotti, you ask?

Picture this: big, tube-like pasta shells, typically about four inches long, that are generously stuffed with a delightfully gooey mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection. Often, they’re topped off with a ladleful or two of rich tomato sauce and perhaps a sprinkle more of cheese for good measure.

Originating from Italy, ‘manicotti’ literally means ‘little sleeves’ in Italian, which totally makes sense when you think about the pasta’s shape and how it lovingly ‘wraps’ around the filling, just like a warm embrace. It’s a classic Italian-American dish, and it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.

If you’ve ever had lasagna or stuffed shells, you’ll find that the flavor profile is somewhat similar, but the unique shape and size of the manicotti make it a meal all its own!

Salads

Salads are an excellent accompaniment to manicotti, providing a refreshing and light counterbalance to the rich, cheesy pasta. A mixed green salad with an array of fresh vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers with a light vinaigrette can add a delightful crunch and freshness. Alternatively, a classic Caesar salad with its tangy, creamy dressing and crunchy croutons also works well. A Caprese salad, made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, can echo the Italian origins of the manicotti while offering a lighter taste profile.

Remember, the goal is to complement the flavors of the manicotti, not overpower them, so keep dressings light and the portion size reasonable.

Mixed Green Salad

This is an easy and flexible pairing. All you need is a combination of fresh, crisp greens like romaine, spinach, or arugula, and an assortment of vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions. The freshness and crunch of the salad provide a great counterbalance to the creamy, rich manicotti.

Dress the salad lightly with a simple vinaigrette to keep it refreshing and not overpower the main dish.

(Simple greens also work well with zucchini fritters.)

5 Minute Lemon Arugula Salad

This lemon arugula salad is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a refreshing and light counterbalance to the rich and cheesy pasta. The tangy dressing and the peppery arugula complement the flavors of the manicotti without overpowering them.

To serve, simply plate a portion of manicotti and add a side of the lemon arugula salad, allowing guests to enjoy the contrasting flavors and textures together.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at 5 Minute Lemon Arugula Salad on Life As A Strawberry.

Caesar Salad Recipe

The Caesar salad recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it provides a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and cheesy pasta. The tangy and creamy Caesar dressing, along with the crunchy croutons, adds texture and flavor to the meal.

To serve it with manicotti, simply plate a portion of manicotti alongside a serving of Caesar salad, allowing the flavors to complement each other without overpowering the dish.

Whip up this Caesar Salad Recipe from Feasting At Home.

The Best Greek Salad Recipe (Horiatiki)

The Greek salad recipe with grape tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, red onions, and feta cheese is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and cheesy pasta. The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and crumbled feta adds a delightful crunch and freshness to the meal.

To serve it with manicotti, simply plate a portion of the Greek salad alongside the manicotti, allowing the flavors to complement each other without overpowering the dish.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at The Best Greek Salad Recipe (Horiatiki) on Wholesome Yum | Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less..

Caprese Salad

This Caprese salad recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and cheesy pasta. The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil complements the Italian origins of the manicotti dish. The drizzle of balsamic dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet element that enhances the overall flavor profile.

To serve, place a portion of manicotti on a plate and serve the Caprese salad on the side as a refreshing accompaniment.

Sounds interesting? Check out this Caprese Salad from Amanda’s Cookin’.

Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad

This grilled corn panzanella salad is a great pairing with manicotti because it offers a refreshing and light contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. The combination of the charred corn, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella brings a burst of flavors and textures to the meal.

Serve the salad alongside the manicotti to provide a balance of freshness and crunch, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Let’s get cooking with this Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad from Homemade In The Kitchen.

Roasted Beet Salad

This roasted beet salad is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and cheesy pasta. The combination of roasted beets, butternut squash, goat cheese, and pecans provides a variety of textures and flavors that complement the manicotti.

To serve it with manicotti, simply place a portion of the salad alongside the pasta dish, allowing guests to enjoy both the salad and the manicotti together.

Let’s get cooking with this Roasted Beet Salad from Simple Joy.

Bread

Serving bread with manicotti is traditional, as it allows guests to sop up any leftover sauce, providing a pleasant textural contrast to the soft pasta. Crusty Italian bread, served warm from the oven, is a simple yet satisfying option. Garlic bread, with its buttery, aromatic flavor profile, is a more indulgent choice, while soft, twisty breadsticks offer a fun and often kid-friendly alternative.

Remember, regardless of the type of bread you choose, it’s meant to complement the flavors of the manicotti, not compete with them. Consider the other components of your meal as well when deciding which bread to pair with your pasta.

Italian Bread

This is the simplest option. All you need to do is heat it in the oven until it’s warm and slightly crusty. Its simplicity and mild flavor make it a great companion to manicotti, as it doesn’t distract from the main dish but still allows guests to sop up any leftover sauce.

Better-Than-Dominos Garlic Bread

This recipe for better-than-Domino’s garlic bread is a great pairing with manicotti because it offers a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. The buttery and garlicky bread complements the rich and savory flavors of the manicotti, adding an indulgent touch to the meal.

To serve it with manicotti, simply slice the garlic bread and place it alongside the pasta dish, allowing guests to enjoy the bread as a side to sop up any leftover sauce.

Tempted to cook this? Better-Than-Dominos Garlic Bread from RecipeTin Eats is where you find the whole recipe.

Better Than Olive Garden Breadsticks

This breadstick recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it complements the flavors of the pasta without overpowering them. The breadsticks have a soft and slightly chewy texture, making them a perfect accompaniment to the creamy and cheesy manicotti.

Serve the breadsticks warm from the oven, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with garlic salt and Italian seasoning, alongside the manicotti for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Give your taste buds a treat with this Better Than Olive Garden Breadsticks from It’s Always Autumn.

Classic Italian Bruschetta Recipe

The classic Italian bruschetta recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and creamy flavors of the pasta dish. The diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar provide a burst of freshness and acidity that complements the savory flavors of the manicotti.

To serve it with manicotti, you can either serve the bruschetta as an appetizer before the main course or as a side dish alongside the pasta, allowing guests to enjoy the different flavors and textures together.

Sounds like something up your alley? Here’s the Classic Italian Bruschetta Recipe recipe, courtesy of NatashasKitchen.com.

Olive Rosemary Foccacia

This olive rosemary focaccia recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a complementary flavor profile and texture. The savory and aromatic combination of olives and rosemary in the bread enhances the flavors of the pasta dish. The crusty exterior and soft interior of the focaccia provide a pleasant contrast to the creamy and cheesy manicotti.

Serve the warm focaccia alongside the manicotti to allow guests to enjoy the bread as a side dish or to soak up any leftover sauce.

Fancy this? Check out Olive Rosemary Foccacia from Connoisseurus Veg.

(By the way, we have a whole post dedicated to focaccia sides.)

Vegetables

Offering vegetables with manicotti ensures a balanced meal, adding both nutrition and additional flavor profiles. You could serve roasted vegetables – such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant – their flavors deepened and sweetened by the roasting process. Alternatively, steamed asparagus or broccoli, perhaps with a light squeeze of lemon, can provide a lighter, subtly flavored counterpart. For a heartier option, a sauté of mixed vegetables, including perhaps some hearty mushrooms or leafy spinach, would also pair well with manicotti.

Remember, when pairing vegetables with manicotti, think about the balance of flavors and textures. You want the vegetables to complement the pasta, not overpower it, so keep seasonings simple and let the natural flavors of the vegetables shine.

Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli

This is one of the simplest vegetable side dishes you could make. The fresh and slightly bitter taste of steamed asparagus or broccoli, finished with a light squeeze of lemon, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy and rich manicotti.

It’s as easy as steaming the vegetables until they’re tender-crisp and finishing with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Grilled Zucchini and Bell Peppers

This pairing is quite simple yet flavorful, requiring just a few steps more than steaming. Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of zucchini and bell peppers, which complements the savory flavors of manicotti. Simply slice the vegetables, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender and charred.

Apple Cider Roasted Root Vegetables

This recipe for apple cider roasted root vegetables is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a contrasting flavor and texture to the pasta dish. The sweetness and depth of flavor from the roasted vegetables, combined with the tangy vinaigrette, creates a delicious balance.

Serve the roasted vegetables on a separate platter or alongside the manicotti for a visually appealing and delicious combination.

Tempted to cook this? Apple Cider Roasted Root Vegetables from Flavour and Savour is where you find the whole recipe.

Garlic Sautéed Spinach

This garlic sautéed spinach recipe is a great pairing with manicotti because it adds a vibrant and nutritious vegetable element to the dish. The spinach is cooked with garlic, which enhances the flavors and adds a delightful aroma.

Serving the sautéed spinach alongside manicotti provides a balance of flavors and textures, with the creamy and cheesy pasta complemented by the fresh and slightly garlicky spinach.

Give your taste buds a treat with this Garlic Sautéed Spinach from RecipeTin Eats.

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

The recipe for air fryer stuffed peppers can be a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a contrasting texture and flavor to the main dish. The stuffed peppers provide a savory and meaty element, while the manicotti offers a creamy and cheesy taste.

Serving the stuffed peppers alongside the manicotti can create a well-rounded meal with a variety of flavors and textures for a satisfying dining experience.

Dive into deliciousness with this Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers from Spend With Pennies.

Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts with Garlic Aioli (Keto and Low Carb)

This recipe for air fryer artichoke hearts with garlic aioli would be a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a contrasting flavor and texture to the dish. The crispy and flavorful artichoke hearts provide a satisfying crunch, while the creamy and tangy garlic aioli adds a rich and savory element.

Serving this alongside manicotti would create a well-rounded and satisfying meal, with the artichoke hearts and aioli complementing the flavors of the pasta dish.

Why not try Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts with Garlic Aioli (Keto and Low Carb) from Lena’s Kitchen today?

Antipasto

An antipasto platter is a traditional Italian appetizer, which can be tailored to a wide variety of tastes. A simple platter might include slices of Italian cheeses, such as provolone or mozzarella, and cured meats like salami or prosciutto. Marinated vegetables – think artichoke hearts, olives, or bell peppers – add a tangy, flavorful component, while a selection of fresh fruits like grapes or figs can provide a sweet counterpoint.

As with all food pairings, the aim of an antipasto platter is to complement and contrast the flavors of the manicotti, providing a variety of textures and tastes to excite the palate before the main course.

Vegan Antipasto Platter

This vegan antipasto platter is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a variety of flavors and textures that can complement and contrast with the rich and creamy nature of the manicotti. The marinated grilled vegetables provide a tangy and smoky element, while the smoky grilled tempeh adds a savory and protein-rich component. The addition of vegan aged camembert, pesto swirl cream cheese, caramelized baby onions, olives, and pine nuts adds a depth of flavors that can enhance the overall dining experience.

Serve the antipasto platter alongside the manicotti as a delicious and satisfying appetizer or side dish.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at Vegan Antipasto Platter on Full of Plants.

Antipasto Skewers

The recipe for antipasto skewers with marinated mozzarella balls is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a variety of flavors and textures that complement the main dish. The salty and tangy flavors of the preserved artichoke hearts and olives, along with the richness of the marinated mozzarella, provide a delicious contrast to the creamy and cheesy manicotti.

Serving the antipasto skewers alongside the manicotti allows for a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.

Craving this? Check out the Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella Balls recipe from A Saucy Kitchen.

Marinated Mozzarella Balls

This recipe for marinated mozzarella balls is a good pairing with manicotti because it adds a tangy and flavorful component to the dish. The marinade, with its combination of herbs, garlic, and red pepper flakes, complements the richness of the manicotti.

To serve, you can place a few marinated mozzarella balls on top of each serving of manicotti or serve them on the side as a delicious and refreshing accompaniment.

Tempted to cook this? Marinated Mozzarella Balls from Ole Blue Dog is where you find the whole recipe.

Soup

Starting your meal with a soup can be a warming and welcoming beginning. A light minestrone, brimming with vegetables and perhaps a bit of pasta or rice, offers a taste of Italy that won’t overshadow the manicotti. Tomato basil soup, with its bright acidity and hint of sweetness, could also work well, echoing the tomato sauce often found on manicotti.

As always, when choosing a soup to pair with manicotti, aim for balance. You want to choose a soup that complements the main dish, providing a tasty beginning to the meal without filling your guests up too much before they reach the main course.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup For Two

This roasted tomato basil soup is a good pairing with manicotti because it complements the flavors of the main dish. The bright acidity and hint of sweetness in the soup echoes the tomato sauce often found on manicotti, creating a cohesive flavor profile.

To serve it with manicotti, start the meal with a small bowl of the soup to warm and welcome your guests before they dig into the main course of manicotti. This soup provides a tasty beginning to the meal without filling your guests up too much.

Let’s get cooking with this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup For Two from Chili to Choc.

Chicken Vegetable Soup

This chicken vegetable soup recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a light and flavorful start to the meal without overwhelming the main dish. The soup is packed with vegetables, providing a healthy and refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy manicotti.

To serve it with manicotti, simply start the meal with a small bowl of the soup before moving on to the main course. The soup’s flavors will complement the tomato sauce often found on manicotti while still leaving room for the main dish to shine.

Sounds like something up your alley? Here’s the Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe, courtesy of Detoxinista.

Thick and Hearty Minestrone Soup

This minestrone soup recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a light and flavorful start to the meal without overwhelming the main dish. The soup is filled with a variety of vegetables, beans, and rice or pasta, providing a hearty and satisfying option.

To serve it with manicotti, you can start the meal with a small bowl of minestrone soup, allowing your guests to enjoy the flavors and textures before moving on to the main course.

Check out this delicious Thick and Hearty Minestrone Soup recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

(And if you’re wondering what works as a side to minestrone, here’s our take on the best pairings for minestrone soup.)

Italian Wedding Soup

This recipe for Italian wedding soup is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a light and flavorful start to the meal without overpowering the main dish. The soup features homemade pork meatballs, which add a savory element, while the addition of fresh spinach adds a touch of freshness.

To serve, you can start the meal with a bowl of Italian wedding soup followed by the main course of manicotti, allowing the flavors to complement each other without filling up your guests too much before they reach the main dish.

Whip up this Italian Wedding Soup from Garlic & Zest.

Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

This Tuscan white bean soup recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it provides a flavorful and hearty start to the meal without overwhelming the main dish. The soup’s combination of beans, vegetables, and herbs complements the Italian flavors of the manicotti, while the addition of toasted bread adds a nice textural contrast.

Serve the soup in small bowls or cups as a starter before bringing out the main course of manicotti, allowing guests to savor the flavors of both dishes.

Why not try Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe from Last Ingredient today?

Stracciatella Soup Recipe

This stracciatella soup recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it provides a light and flavorful start to the meal without overwhelming the main dish. The combination of spinach, cannellini beans, and Parmesan cheese in the soup complements the Italian flavors of the manicotti.

To serve, you can start the meal with a small bowl of the stracciatella soup alongside the main course of manicotti, allowing guests to enjoy the soup’s warmth and taste before diving into the pasta.

Give your taste buds a treat with this Stracciatella Soup Recipe from A Couple Cooks.

Dessert

Ending your meal with a classic Italian dessert can bring your culinary experience full circle. Tiramisu, with its creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and dusting of cocoa, offers a rich and satisfying conclusion. Cannoli, crispy pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and often dotted with chocolate chips or candied fruits, provide a sweet treat that’s not too heavy. And of course, a selection of gelato – Italian ice cream known for its intense flavors and creamy texture – would offer a delightfully cooling finale to your meal.

These desserts all share an Italian heritage with manicotti, echoing the meal’s origins and providing a range of sweet flavors to contrast with the savory main course. Choose based on the complexity of preparation you’re comfortable with and the preferences of your guests.

Gelato

The simplest option is to buy some high-quality gelato from the store. With its dense, creamy texture and intense flavors, gelato offers a refreshing end to a meal. Pair flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit varieties with your manicotti to balance the richness of the pasta.

Affogato

The affogato recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a contrasting and refreshing dessert option after a savory main course. The creamy and melty vanilla gelato blends perfectly with the hot espresso, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. To serve it with manicotti, you can offer the affogato as a separate dessert option alongside the traditional Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli, allowing your guests to choose their preferred sweet ending to the meal.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Explore Affogato on RecipeTin Eats for more.

Cannoli Dip

The cannoli dip recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a sweet and creamy dessert option that complements the savory main course. The ricotta cheese used in both the dip and manicotti ties the two dishes together, creating a cohesive Italian-themed meal. Serving the cannoli dip alongside the manicotti allows guests to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures, ending the meal on a satisfying note.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Explore Cannoli Dip on One Lovely Life for more.

Buttermilk Panna Cotta

The buttermilk panna cotta with blueberry compote is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a creamy and refreshing dessert to complement the savory and rich flavors of the main course. The tanginess of the buttermilk in the panna cotta balances well with the sweetness of the blueberry compote, creating a harmonious combination of flavors. Serve the panna cotta in individual glasses or mason jars alongside the manicotti for an elegant and satisfying end to the meal.

Dive into deliciousness with this Buttermilk Panna Cotta from Savory Simple.

Tiramisu

This tiramisu recipe is a good pairing with manicotti because it offers a contrasting flavor and texture to the savory main course. The creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and dusting of cocoa provide a rich and satisfying conclusion to the meal. Serve the tiramisu alongside the manicotti for a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

However, it’s important to note that tiramisu may not be the best pairing if you prefer a lighter or less sweet dessert. In that case, you could opt for cannoli or a selection of gelato, which would still provide a sweet treat but with a lighter and more refreshing finish to complement the manicotti. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and the preferences of your guests.

Treat yourself to this amazing Tiramisu from Julie’s Eats & Treats ®.

Homemade Cannoli

Making cannoli from scratch involves creating a dough, frying it into shape, and filling it with a sweetened ricotta mixture. It’s a bit of a project, but the crispy, sweet result is a delightful contrast to the creamy, savory manicotti.

Give your taste buds a treat with this Cannoli Shells from The Slow Roasted Italian.

Pressure Cooker Authentic Italian Ricotta Cheesecake

This recipe for pressure cooker authentic Italian ricotta cheesecake is a good pairing with manicotti because both dishes share a common ingredient – ricotta cheese. The creamy and rich texture of the cheesecake complements the savory and cheesy flavors of the manicotti.

Serving the ricotta cheesecake as a dessert after enjoying the savory manicotti will provide a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures, completing the Italian culinary experience.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Explore Pressure Cooker Authentic Italian Ricotta Cheesecake on This Old Gal for more.