Manicotti
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 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
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Cook manicotti shells for 6 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place filled manicotti in the dish and top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
- 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.