Manicotti Recipe
Manicotti is a classic Italian comfort dish featuring pasta tubes stuffed with a rich ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan filling, all baked in a savory marinara sauce. This meal is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, providing a cheesy, satisfying experience that everyone will love. Follow this simple recipe to make delicious, restaurant-quality manicotti at home.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a piping bag or a spoon.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells on top of the sauce in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off to easily fill the manicotti shells. For added flavor, you can mix cooked spinach or chopped basil into the cheese filling. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
FAQs
- Can I make manicotti in advance? Yes, you can assemble the manicotti ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze manicotti? Yes, freeze assembled manicotti (without baking) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- What can I use instead of ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
- How do I prevent the pasta from tearing? Cook the pasta until just al dente and handle it gently when filling.
Conclusion
This manicotti recipe is a classic Italian comfort food that’s easy to make and bursting with cheesy goodness. With tender pasta, a rich filling, and savory marinara sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Make this delicious dish and enjoy a cozy, homemade Italian meal!
