Irresistible Manicotti Recipe: Creamy & Flavorful Delight

In a world where pasta reigns supreme, manicotti stands out like a superhero in a room full of sidekicks. Imagine tender tubes of pasta, impeccably filled with creamy ricotta, and then smothered in a rich marinara sauce that smells like heaven on earth. The first bite is a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing and dance, while the texture is a delightful combination of softness and chewiness. Trust me; this dish doesn’t just satisfy your hunger; it wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug.

Now, let’s talk about why manicotti holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my family would gather every Sunday for dinner, and manicotti was always the star of the show. My grandmother would expertly fill each pasta tube, all while cracking jokes that made us laugh until we cried. Whether it was during holidays or just an ordinary weeknight, this dish brought everyone together around the table, creating memories that linger long after the last bite. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that promises laughter and deliciousness!

Ingredients for Manicotti

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Manicotti Pasta: These tubular wonders are essential for holding all the cheesy goodness inside.
• Ricotta Cheese: Go for whole milk ricotta for maximum creaminess and flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This melty cheese adds richness and gooeyness to each bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan enhances the flavor profile with its nutty notes.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or whip up a homemade version for extra love.
• Egg: One egg helps bind the filling together so you won’t have any cheesy mishaps.
• Garlic Powder: This little gem adds depth to the filling without overwhelming flavors.
• Fresh Basil: For garnish and an aromatic touch that brightens up the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Manicotti

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s happening, bring a large pot of salted water to boil—this will be where our manicotti pasta takes its delightful dip.

Step 2: Cook the Manicotti

Once boiling, carefully add the manicotti pasta shells into the water. Cook them for about six minutes until they are al dente but still firm enough to hold their shape when filled. Drain them gently and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of your mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy—this is where it gets real!

Step 4: Stuff Those Shells

Using a spoon or piping bag (because who doesn’t want to feel like a pastry chef?), fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Don’t be shy; pack it in there lovingly!

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish—about one cup should do it! Carefully place each stuffed manicotti shell into the dish side by side as if they’re lining up for their big performance.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Pour more marinara sauce over the top of your stuffed shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over everything like confetti at a party! Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for another ten minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about those glorious family dinners!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the filling ingredients first, then boil the manicotti shells while preparing a rich sauce. Assemble everything in layers to achieve that delicious melted cheese effect and bake until bubbly perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cheeses or add spinach, mushrooms, or even ground turkey into the filling. A dash of nutmeg or some fresh basil can elevate the flavors, making each bite unique.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly.

Sharing this manicotti recipe with friends once led to a spontaneous dinner party where everyone raved about my cooking skills—it was a night filled with laughter and second helpings!

FAQs :

What is Manicotti?

Manicotti is a type of pasta that resembles large tubes, ideal for stuffing with various fillings. Traditionally, it is filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and herbs, then baked in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is popular in Italian-American cuisine and serves as a satisfying meal for families. You can customize the filling by adding spinach, ground meat, or other cheeses to suit your taste.

How do I cook Manicotti noodles?

Cooking manicotti noodles requires careful attention to prevent them from breaking. Start by boiling water in a large pot and adding salt to flavor the pasta. Cook the manicotti for about 6 to 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the noodles gently and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures that they remain firm enough to hold the filling without tearing.

Can I make Manicotti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Manicotti can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. You can stuff the manicotti tubes and place them in a baking dish. Cover with sauce and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This convenience allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you cook it straight from the fridge.

What sauce pairs best with Manicotti?

The best sauce for manicotti is a classic marinara or tomato-based sauce, which complements the cheesy filling perfectly. However, you can also experiment with Alfredo or pesto sauces for a unique twist on traditional recipes. Topping your manicotti with fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances presentation.

Conclusion for Manicotti :

In conclusion, manicotti offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can please any palate. From its delicious stuffed filling to its versatile sauce options, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Whether served at family gatherings or special occasions, manicotti is sure to impress your guests. Preparing this dish ahead of time allows you to enjoy its rich tastes without stress. Embrace creativity in your filling choices, and savor each bite of this Italian classic!

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Manicotti

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Manicotti is a beloved Italian-American dish featuring tender pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta and topped with rich marinara sauce. This comforting classic is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of flavors in every bite. With its warm, cheesy goodness, manicotti evokes nostalgia and brings loved ones together around the table. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and impress your guests while enjoying the cozy satisfaction that only homemade manicotti can bring.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 manicotti pasta shells
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce (plus 1 cup for layering)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot.
2. Cook manicotti shells for 6 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
5. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place filled manicotti in the dish and top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed manicotti (260g)
• Calories: 354
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing spinach or mushrooms into the filling. Use a piping bag for easier filling of the manicotti shells. Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.