Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to bring this dish to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large pot, cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage.
5. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
6. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and sausage mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Voila! You’ve just made a meal that’s bound to make your dinner table the coziest place in the house.