Get ready to experience a taste of Italy with this classic Manicotti recipe! Tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy, cheesy ricotta mixture, smothered in a rich tomato sauce, and baked to golden perfection – this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Manicotti is surprisingly easy to make at home, and this recipe takes the guesswork out of the process. Whether you’re planning a special family dinner or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, this Manicotti recipe will not disappoint. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s a fantastic option for meal prepping and potlucks because it tastes even better the next day! The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine – the soft pasta, the creamy filling, and the tangy tomato sauce all come together in perfect harmony.
[Image of perfectly baked Manicotti dish here]
Ready to dive in? Let’s take a quick look at the recipe overview:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty | Medium |
Nutrition per serving (estimated)
Keep in mind that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 550-650 |
| Protein | 30-35g |
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Carbohydrates | 50-60g |
What You’ll Need: Manicotti Ingredients
Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing Manicotti dish. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manicotti Pasta Shells | 12-14 shells |
| Ricotta Cheese (full-fat) | 30 ounces |
| Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) | 2 cups, divided |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup, plus more for topping |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Tomato Sauce | 24-28 ounces |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Basil (for garnish, optional) | A few leaves |
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying delicious homemade Manicotti in no time!
- Prepare the Manicotti Shells: Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions, usually until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, gently drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the filling is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This ricotta filling is the heart of the Manicotti, so make sure it’s flavorful!
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your favorite tomato sauce. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to deepen the flavor of the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. A high-quality tomato sauce makes all the difference.
- Fill the Manicotti Shells: Transfer the ricotta filling to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the filling into each cooked manicotti shell, filling them completely. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to fill the shells, but a piping bag makes the process much easier and neater.
- Assemble the Manicotti: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the manicotti, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and some extra Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the Manicotti: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the manicotti is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the Manicotti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this classic Italian masterpiece!
Serving Suggestions
This Manicotti is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Manicotti.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Italian Wine: Pair with a glass of Chianti or other Italian red wine for the ultimate Italian dining experience.
This delicious Manicotti recipe can be served with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal, ensuring you serve it with a green salad or roasted vegetables. The cheesy, creamy filling of the Manicotti complements these sides. The simplicity in creating Manicotti makes it a perfect dish for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Manicotti
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your Manicotti comes out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Shells: Overcooked shells are more likely to tear when filling. Cook them just until al dente.
- Use Full-Fat Ricotta: Full-fat ricotta cheese provides the best flavor and texture for the filling.
- Drain the Ricotta: If your ricotta cheese seems watery, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for a few hours before using it. This will prevent the filling from being too runny.
- Don’t Overfill the Shells: Overfilling the shells can cause them to burst during baking. Fill them gently and evenly.
- Use High-Quality Tomato Sauce: A good quality tomato sauce will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Make Ahead: Manicotti can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing: Manicotti freezes well. Assemble and bake as directed, then let cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
- Spice it up: To add a little heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or the ricotta mixture.
- Meat Filling Variation: Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta cheese filling for a meatier version. Brown the meat before adding it to the mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Incorporate cooked spinach or other chopped vegetables into the ricotta filling for a vegetarian alternative.
Manicotti is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s the taste of home, the warmth of family, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal. This Manicotti recipe is designed to be simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for seasoned cooks. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to enjoy the best Manicotti you’ve ever tasted! The aroma of the baking Manicotti will fill your kitchen, promising a flavorful experience. Manicotti, with its rich and creamy filling, is a delightful choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special celebration. It is important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best taste, especially focusing on the ricotta cheese and tomato sauce. Enjoy the process of creating this dish and savor every bite of your homemade Manicotti. With this recipe, you will create memories and delicious food that will be shared for generations. The taste of the Manicotti will have you craving it over and over again. Manicotti is an excellent way to impress family and friends with minimal effort, making you a star in the kitchen. Try this Manicotti recipe today and be sure to leave feedback for future bakers. Manicotti truly is the perfect Italian dinner!
