Manicotti Recipe

Manicotti, an Italian-American favorite, is a type of pasta typically filled with a rich mixture of cheeses and sometimes spinach or herbs, then generously covered in marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining, manicotti combines the creamy, comforting qualities of cheese-stuffed pasta with the tangy robustness of a well-made tomato sauce. The dish can be made ahead and heated just before serving, making it a convenient yet delicious meal option.

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) manicotti pasta
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
• 1/4 cup water
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Manicotti Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook until almost al dente, about 5 minutes. They should be tender but still firm as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, fresh basil, and minced garlic. Mix well. Add the beaten egg, ground nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

4. Fill the Manicotti Shells: Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a small spoon or a piping bag for ease. Fill until the shells are full but not overstuffed to prevent them from breaking.

5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the filled manicotti shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.

6. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, making sure each shell is covered. Add 1/4 cup of water around the edges of the dish (this helps keep the pasta moist while baking). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings.

Nutritional Information

Tools Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Piping bag or large ziplock bag for filling
• Aluminum foil

Tips for Preparing Manicotti

1. Pre-Cook the Pasta: Boil the manicotti shells to al dente. This prevents overcooking during baking.
2. Filling Consistency: Ensure the cheese filling is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a bit of milk or cream.
3. Filling the Shells: Use a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to fill the shells neatly and efficiently.
4. Sauce Layering: Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and to enhance flavor.
5. Cover for Moisture: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil while baking to keep the manicotti moist.
6. Cheese Browning: For a golden-brown top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

• Garnish: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette and garlic bread to complete the meal.
• Plating: Arrange the manicotti neatly on a plate, perhaps topped with a little extra marinara sauce, and sprinkle with chopped herbs for a professional touch.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a robust red wine such as Chianti or a Sangiovese to complement the richness of the dish.

Storage Conditions

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Manicotti can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.

Health Benefits

• Protein: The cheese filling provides a good amount of protein which is essential for tissue repair and muscle building.
• Calcium: The dish is rich in calcium from the cheeses, which is vital for bone health.
• Antioxidants: Tomato sauce contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
• Micronutrients: The dish also offers vitamins A and C, plus a range of B vitamins from the pasta and cheese.

Recommendations for Vegans

• Vegan Cheese: Substitute dairy cheese with plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives.
• Substitute Eggs: Use flax or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg substitute in the filling.
• Vegan Marinara Sauce: Ensure the marinara sauce used is vegan, without any added cheese or animal products.

Similar Recipes

• Stuffed Shells: Large pasta shells filled with a similar cheese mixture and baked with marinara sauce.
• Lasagna: Layered pasta with meat or vegetarian sauce, cheese, and sometimes vegetables, baked to bubbly perfection.
• Cannelloni: Similar to manicotti but often filled with meat along with the cheese and then baked in tomato sauce.
• Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli: Pasta pockets filled with a spinach and ricotta mixture, served with marinara or butter sage sauce.
• Vegetarian Ziti Bake: Baked ziti with ricotta, marinara, and lots of melted cheese, similar flavors but different pasta shape and method.

I hope you enjoy preparing and indulging in this delightful Manicotti! Bon appétit!