Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Delight: A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy and flavorful filling that’s hard to resist.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even for those new to cooking Italian dishes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish in advance and bake it when ready, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a hit at family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Manicotti pasta shells
- Part-skim ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Large eggs
- Dried parsley
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Spaghetti sauce
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Stuff the Shells: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each manicotti shell with approximately 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce over the bottom of an 11×17-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Variations
- Meat Addition: Incorporate cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the cheese filling for a heartier version.
- Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Sauce Alternatives: Use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato-based sauce for a creamy twist.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina to customize the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the manicotti to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the manicotti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of manicotti shells?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles as a substitute. Soak them in hot water until pliable, place the filling along one end, and roll them up before placing in the baking dish.
2. How do I prevent the manicotti shells from breaking while stuffing?
To prevent shells from breaking, cook them until just al dente and handle gently. Using a piping bag to fill the shells can also make the process easier and less messy.
3. Can I prepare manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
4. What side dishes pair well with manicotti?
Manicotti pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables, balancing the richness of the dish with lighter sides.
5. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta. For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with the other filling ingredients.
6. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make gluten-free manicotti, use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure that all other ingredients, such as sauces and cheeses, are certified gluten-free.
7. Is it possible to add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely, adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish. Sauté and drain them well before incorporating into the filling to prevent excess moisture.
8. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes, homemade marinara sauce can be used and often adds a fresher taste to the dish. Ensure the sauce is well-seasoned to complement the flavors of the filling.
Print
Manicotti
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic cheese manicotti, featuring tender pasta shells filled with a rich, creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all baked in a savory tomato sauce. This easy Italian-American dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups jarred or homemade spaghetti sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook manicotti shells until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread ½ cup spaghetti sauce in an 11×17-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer and cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes until bubbly. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- Variations: Add spinach, ground beef, or different cheeses for customization.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
