This crepe recipe is an awesome substitute for any pasta dish like manicotti or cannelloni. They provide a wonderful and flavorful base, ideal for almost any pasta dish.
I make a lot of pasta dishes, and manicotti is easily my favorite.
My aunt and I were talking about crepes, and the idea of using a crepe square in place of the manicotti shell was born! This crepe recipe is perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta recipe.
Simply use the crepes in place of your pasta and you will have a truly original dish that your family is sure to love! This recipe is good for about eight crepes which is a good family sized pasta dish equivalent.
If entertaining, I just double up the batch for a big pan and it’s been a favorite every time.
How to Make Homemade Manicotti Crepes
If you love manicotti, then make your next batch using these crepes instead of manicotti noodles.
Prep time is just a few minutes and cook time is around ten minutes. All you need to make them is a blender (or mixer and mixing bowl) and a skillet or crepe pan.
If you’ve ever made any of my other crepe recipes then you will find this recipe super simple to make.
Ingredients
Since this recipe only uses a few common ingredients, it’s affordable and great for those last minute meals.
Ingredient List
- Eggs
- Water
- All-Purpose Flour
- Salt
All-purpose flour is my preferred type when making these crepes, but cake or whole wheat flour can be used instead. Go with the same measurements and no need for any other recipe changes.
Instructions
When planning out your pasta recipe, simply allow for an additional fifteen minutes to make your crepe squares.
Once your crepes are done, simply follow your recipe, replacing the noodles with your crepes.
Step 1: Combine all your ingredients in your blender. With cover on, process for about thirty to forty seconds. Scrape sides of your blender with a spatula to push down unblended batter. Blend again for a few seconds. Batter should be smooth and consistent.
Step 2: Spray your frying pan and heat to medium low. Once pan is brought to temperature, put a half tablespoon of batter in to test. Tilt the pan in a circular motion. Your batter should move around freely. Remove test batter from heat.
Step 3: Add three to four tablespoons of batter to your frying pan. Your crepe batter should thinly coat the bottom of your pan.
Step 4: Cook each side for approximately one minute. Your crepe is ready to flip once it is firm enough lift without breaking. Your crepes are done cooking as soon as light brown flecks begin to show on the second side.
Step 5: Prepare your favorite pasta dish using your crepes as a pasta substitute.

Manicotti and Cannelloni Crepes: Pasta Square Alternative
Equipment
- Blender
- 6-7" Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 2 Eggs
- ¾ Cup Water
- ¾ Cup All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ tsp Salt
Instructions
- Combine all your ingredients in your blender. With cover on, process for about thirty to forty seconds. Scrape sides of your blender with a spatula to push down unblended batter. Blend again for a few seconds. Batter should be smooth and consistent.
- Spray your frying pan and heat to medium low. Once pan is brought to temperature, put a half tablespoon of batter in to test. Tilt the pan in a circular motion. Your batter should move around freely. Remove test batter from heat.
- Add three to four tablespoons of batter to your frying pan. Your crepe batter should thinly coat the bottom of your pan.
- Cook each side for approximately one minute. Your crepe is ready to flip once it is firm enough lift without breaking. Your crepes are done cooking as soon as light brown flecks begin to show on the second side.
- Prepare your favorite pasta dish using your crepes as a pasta substitute.
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
This crepe batter can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare and store in your refrigerator for up to four days. Finished crepe squares can be frozen in freezer safe bags. To reheat simply pre-heat your oven to 350 and warm for about six minutes.
Both crepes and pasta dishes are go to’s in my home so this paring of the two is an absolute winner! Next time you want to try an old favorite pasta dish give these manicotti crepes a go and let me know what your family thinks.
For more great crepe ideas check out these recipes