Introduction
Indulging in an Italian classic is always a delightful experience, and manicotti is no exception. Filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with rich marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. This recipe is both simple to prepare and satisfyingly delicious, making it a go-to comfort food for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 10-12 manicotti noodles
– 15 ounces ricotta cheese
– 3 cups grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1 cup parmesan cheese, divided
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Prep Time
Approximately 30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 4-6
Follow this uncomplicated recipe to savor the flavors of freshly baked manicotti right from your oven. This dish is hearty and comforting, sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Manicotti Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese, ¾ cup of grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped basil, beaten eggs, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag for easier filling of the pasta.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Fill the Manicotti Shells
Using the piping bag, fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
Step 6: Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled manicotti shells, ensuring that they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the dish.
Step 7: Bake the Manicotti
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, remove the foil and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the manicotti from the oven and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and basil before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Manicotti Noodles
Ensure to check the cooking time for the manicotti noodles on the package, as it may vary by brand.
Note 2: Cheese Variations
For a different flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses such as ricotta and goat cheese or adding herbs like oregano to the cheese mixture.
Note 3: Make Ahead
The manicotti can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Adjust the baking time if baking from cold.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Cooking Manicotti Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the manicotti noodles and cook until they reach an al dente texture, following the package instructions for timing. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process.
Mixing the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of low-moisture mozzarella cheese, ¾ cup of parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped basil, beaten eggs, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients until they are thoroughly combined to create a smooth filling.
Filling the Manicotti Shells
Transfer the prepared ricotta mixture into a piping bag for easier filling. This allows for more control as you fill each manicotti shell. Ensure each shell is filled completely for even cooking.
Layering in the Baking Dish
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the filled manicotti shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells to ensure they are coated.
Baking the Manicotti
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown topping, remove the foil and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, closely monitoring to avoid burning.
Resting and Garnishing
Once baked, remove the manicotti from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Before serving, garnish the dish with additional chopped parsley and basil to enhance the presentation.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pasta instead of dry manicotti noodles?
Yes, fresh pasta can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they don’t become too soft before baking.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese can be a good substitute for ricotta cheese. You can blend it to achieve a smoother texture if desired.
Is it possible to make manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How do I ensure the manicotti shells don’t break when filling?
Cooking the manicotti noodles al dente and being gentle when filling them will help prevent them from breaking. Rinsing them with cold water also makes them more manageable.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add cooked spinach, ground meat, or different herbs to customize the filling to your taste.
Conclusion
The manicotti dish prepared with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and flavorful herbs creates a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Enjoying this dish, topped with fresh parsley and basil, adds a vibrant touch that elevates the overall presentation.
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti
Incorporate fresh spinach into the ricotta mixture for added nutritional benefits and a pop of color.
Meat Lover’s Manicotti
Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the filling for a protein-packed variation that satisfies hearty appetites.
Mushroom and Truffle Oil Manicotti
Sauté mushrooms with a hint of truffle oil and mix into the cheese filling for an upscale twist.
Vegetarian Mediterranean Manicotti
Include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese in the ricotta mix for a delightful Mediterranean flavor.
Alfredo Sauce Variation
Swap out marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce to create a richer, decadent bit of comfort food.
Buffalo Chicken Manicotti
Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce into the ricotta for a spicy twist, topped with blue cheese crumbles.
Tex-Mex Manicotti
Combine refried beans, corn, and taco seasoning in the cheese mixture for a flavorful fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisine.
