Unforgettable Manicotti: A Culinary Masterpiece!

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Indulge ⁣in the ⁢ultimate⁣ comfort food with this ⁣delectable manicotti recipe! Stuffed with​ a trio of cheeses and baked to golden perfection, this dish is sure​ to impress your family and friends alike. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home, it’s a⁢ guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

The​ harmonious‌ blend of​ creamy ‍cheeses, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce creates an unforgettable flavor experience that will ​leave you craving more. As an Italian cuisine enthusiast, I can confidently say that‍ this⁢ manicotti is one of my favorites! If you’re looking for more Italian-inspired dishes to try out, ⁤don’t miss my Tuscan Shrimp, Creamy Sausage Tortellini Skillet, and Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta!

Irresistible Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

Manicotti has‍ always been one of‍ my go-to Italian recipes! My kids absolutely love it every time I whip it⁢ up—definitely ⁤a win in our‌ household! While it’s often found on restaurant menus as ​a classic dish,⁤ making it at home is ⁣surprisingly easy. The large pasta shells are filled with ⁣flavorful ingredients that set this recipe apart from⁤ traditional pasta⁤ topped merely with sauce.

If you’re a cheese lover⁢ (and who isn’t?), you’ll adore‌ this recipe featuring three types of cheese that melt beautifully into the shells​ for an incredible texture and taste. ⁢Plus, it’s quick to prepare—making it perfect for your regular dinner rotation! With simple flavors and minimal ‌ingredients (which even picky⁢ eaters won’t question), you can sneak in some⁢ finely chopped ⁤spinach without anyone noticing!

Ingredients for Manicotti Shells

Most ingredients are likely already⁤ in your pantry—no extra trips⁣ to ‍the grocery store needed! Check out ⁢the complete list below:

  • Manicotti: Use traditional manicotti shells or substitute them with large jumbo shells if necessary.
  • Cheeses: A delightful mix of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan creates a heavenly filling.
  • Spinach: Both baby spinach or regular spinach ‌work well!
  • Italian⁢ Seasoning: Use pre-made seasoning or create your ⁤own blend using spices from your‍ kitchen.
  • Egg: This binds all the cheesy goodness together!
  • Marinara Sauce: Opt for store-bought marinara or try making homemade‍ sauce for added flavor.

How to Prepare​ Homemade Manicotti

As ‌mentioned earlier—this recipe is‍ all⁢ about simplicity! In just minutes you’ll have everything mixed up and ready to⁣ bake:

  1. Preheat oven: Set‍ your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Cook the⁣ manicotti according to package instructions; rinse under ⁣cold water afterward.
  2. Mix filling: In‍ a medium bowl combine 1 cup ricotta cheese along ‌with mozzarella cheese, parmesan ⁢cheese, ⁢chopped spinach, ⁢Italian seasoning‍ mix & ⁣egg until well blended.
  3. ⁤Stuff shells: Fill ⁤each shell generously using either a spoon or ​piping bag—it’s easier ‌than you think!
  4. Assemble & bake: Pour​ 1 cup marinara sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish; arrange stuffed manicottis evenly over the sauce layer before ⁢covering them completely with remaining marinara sauce & additional‍ shredded cheese ⁤on top. Bake uncovered for‍ about 25–30 minutes until bubbly.

###‌ Tips for Perfectly Cooked Manicotti

Here are⁢ some helpful ​tips I’ve gathered over time when cooking pasta:

  • Cook Al Dente: Aim to slightly undercook your manicottis so they ‍remain firm ‌enough during stuffing ⁣but soften perfectly while baking. ​
  • Salt Your Water: Don’t forget to season‌ boiling water before adding ⁣pasta—it⁣ enhances flavor significantly!

Storing Your Delicious Manicotti

Want meal prep ‌options? Here’s how you can save time while enjoying leftovers throughout⁣ the week:

Refrigerate: Prepare up ⁤ahead by assembling everything up until baking (upwards of eight hours prior). Cover tightly before refrigerating; ‌add extra cooking time if starting from chilled.

Freeze: Assemble but do not bake;​ instead cover tightly in an airtight ​container suitable⁤ for freezing—you ⁤can cook directly from frozen by adding approximately thirty minutes‍ onto⁢ original⁣ baking​ times!


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Nutritional Information

Calories ⁤per serving: 268 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 17 g |⁤ Fat: ⁢15 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Cholesterol:⁤ 72 mg | Sodium: ‌339 mg | Potassium:143 mg ‌| Fiber :1g⁣

Note: ⁤Nutritional values are approximations based on standard calculations.


About ⁢Alyssa Rivers: Alyssa Rivers⁣ is⁣ not only an accomplished⁢ author behind ‘The Tried-and-True Cookbook’ but also serves as both professional food photographer & experienced recipe developer whose passion shines through her featured works across platforms like ⁣Good Morning America & Buzzfeed among others.

Explore ⁤More Culinary Inspirations Today!