Manicotti is a beloved Italian dish that features delicate pasta tubes filled with a rich cheese mixture and smothered in a flavorful marinara sauce. This homemade version brings all the comfort and heartiness of classic Italian cuisine straight to your kitchen.
Manicotti Recipe :
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, manicotti is the perfect choice. With creamy ricotta filling, perfectly cooked pasta, and a delicious tomato sauce, this recipe delivers authentic Italian flavors with every bite.
History of the Recipe :
Manicotti, meaning “little sleeves” in Italian, has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine. It was originally made by rolling fresh pasta sheets around rich cheese and meat fillings before being baked in sauce. Over time, dry pasta tubes became a popular alternative, making the dish more accessible for home cooks worldwide.
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Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Fill a piping bag or spoon the cheese mixture into the manicotti tubes.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Arrange the filled manicotti in the dish and cover with the remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner cut to easily fill the manicotti tubes.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from breaking when filling.
Tips for Manicotti Recipe :
- Add spinach or cooked sausage to the filling for extra flavor.
- Substitute store-bought marinara with homemade sauce for a fresher taste.
- Let the dish rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
FAQS for Manicotti Recipe :
- Can I make manicotti ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Can I freeze manicotti?
- Yes, freeze before baking, then bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 50 minutes.
- What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
- You can substitute cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and Parmesan.
Conclusion :
Homemade manicotti is a delicious, comforting dish that brings authentic Italian flavors to your table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit!