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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:
- Preheat oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Cook the manicotti according to package instructions; rinse under cold water afterward.
- 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.
- Stuff shells: Fill each shell generously using either a spoon or piping bag—it’s easier than you think!
- 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.
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