Description
Manicotti, a delightful classic from Italian cuisine, has made a beloved place in American kitchens as a staple dish. Often filled with rich, cheesy goodness, these tubular pasta shells offer a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to all age groups. Traditionally made from flour and water, manicotti serves as an excellent vehicle for various fillings, making it versatile and easy to customize to personal tastes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce manicotti shells
- 3 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 24 ounce whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the manicotti shells for about 1 to 2 minutes less than what the package directions specify for al dente. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water. Toss the shells with a little olive oil and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 1/2 cup of mozzarella, 3/4 cup of Parmesan, beaten eggs, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until well-mixed and creamy.
4. If using heavy cream, stir it into the marinara sauce. Spread 1 cup of sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Transfer the cheese filling into a piping bag or zip-lock bag and snip off one corner. Pipe the filling into each manicotti tube from both ends.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce in your baking dish. Pour any remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the assembled manicotti.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and light golden brown.
10. Let your manicotti rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Selecting high-quality ingredients significantly impacts the overall taste of your manicotti. For the best marinara sauce, consider using a homemade recipe or choose a store-bought sauce that prioritizes natural ingredients without added sugars. When it comes to cheese, opt for whole milk varieties and always go for freshly grated cheese when possible.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 manicotti
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg