Stuffed Manicotti

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Stuffed Manicotti straight from the oven. I remember the first time I tasted it; the creamy cheese filling nestled within tender pasta, topped with rich marinara sauce and bubbling cheese. It was a chilly winter evening, and my family gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter, while savoring this hearty dish. Every bite was a reminder of home and warmth, igniting a sense of joy that only food can bring. Making Stuffed Manicotti is not just about following a recipe; it’s about the love you pour into each step, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredient List for Stuffed Manicotti

When it comes to Stuffed Manicotti, the ingredients are simple yet delightful. The magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures—creamy, cheesy goodness combined with savory marinara sauce and al dente pasta. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, ensuring that every bite is a perfect harmony of taste.

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese – This creamy cheese forms the base of the filling, offering a rich texture and flavor.
• 10 ounces frozen spinach – Adding a pop of color and nutrition, spinach complements the cheese perfectly.
• 1 medium onion – Chopped onion brings a savory depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1 large egg – This binds the filling together, providing structure to the creamy mixture.
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced garlic infuses a fragrant aroma, elevating the dish’s flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds a touch of Italy to your dish.
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg – A hint of nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the filling.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing flavors and balancing the dish.
• ½ teaspoon pepper – Adds a subtle kick to the filling.
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese – Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese – Grated Parmesan brings a sharp, salty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
• 8 ounces manicotti shells – These tubular pasta shells are perfect for stuffing, holding all the delicious filling.
• 4 cups marinara sauce – A flavorful sauce that ties the dish together, adding moisture and richness.

Cooking Method for Stuffed Manicotti

Cooking Stuffed Manicotti is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. The process involves preparing the filling, stuffing the shells, and baking to perfection. Let’s dive into the steps that will bring this mouthwatering dish to your table.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F°. This is the first step in ensuring your Stuffed Manicotti cooks evenly and thoroughly. The right temperature sets the stage for a perfectly baked dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, onion, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, pepper, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Use a spatula or fork to mix until everything is well incorporated. The filling should be creamy and slightly thick, ready to be stuffed into the shells.

3. Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This layer of sauce helps prevent the manicotti from sticking and adds flavor as it cooks.

4. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or plastic ziploc bag, cut off a little from one end. This method makes it easier to fill the shells without making a mess.

5. Stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Gently squeeze the piping bag to fill each shell, ensuring they’re packed but not bursting. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared dish.

6. Cover with the remaining marinara sauce. Pour the sauce over the stuffed manicotti, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This will keep the pasta moist and flavorful while baking.

7. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the cheeses generously over the top, creating a deliciously cheesy crust.

8. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered. Covering with foil initially helps steam the pasta, making it tender. Removing the foil allows the cheese to become golden and bubbly.

9. Serve garnished with basil if preferred and more grated Parmesan cheese. Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Adaptability is key in the kitchen, and Stuffed Manicotti offers plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are some tips to inspire your creativity:

• Storage: You can either transfer leftovers to an airtight container or leave them in the baking dish covered well with plastic. The leftovers will last 3 to 5 days refrigerated.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Assemble it ahead and cover tightly before freezing. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, adding a little extra time.
• Variations: Try adding different vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor and nutrients.
• Cheese Options: Mix different cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese for the filling to customize the taste.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.

Pairing Suggestions for Stuffed Manicotti

When it comes to serving Stuffed Manicotti, the options are plentiful. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more delightful:

• Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve warm slices of garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables add a delightful contrast to the dish.
• Special Occasions: This dish makes a great centerpiece for winter gatherings, family dinners, or holiday celebrations.
• Wine Pairing: Consider serving with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing accompaniment.
• Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQ

Conclusion

Stuffed Manicotti is truly a dish that brings joy and comfort to the table. Its rich flavors and creamy textures make it a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making it for your loved ones; the experience of cooking and sharing this delightful meal is something special. Enjoy every bite and the wonderful memories you’ll create!

Stuffed Manicotti

The ultimate comfort food, Stuffed Manicotti is a creamy, cheesy delight that will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for cozy dinners, this easy weeknight meal is topped with rich marinara sauce and bubbling cheese, making it irresistible. You’ll want to make it tonight!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 14 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 10 ounces frozen spinach chopped, thawed and squeezed dried
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
• ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
• 8 ounces manicotti shells uncooked
• 4 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 F°.
• In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, onion, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, pepper, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese.
• Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Transfer the filling to a piping bag or plastic ziploc bag, cut off a little from one end.
• Stuff each manicotti shell with ricotta mixture and arrange in a single layer in the dish.
• Cover with remaining marinara sauce.
• Top with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
• Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered.
• Serve garnished with basil if preferred and more grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can either transfer leftovers to an airtight container or leave them in the baking dish covered well with plastic. The leftovers will last 3 to 5 days refrigerated.
• Tip 2: To reheat, microwave at 30 second intervals until heated through. You can also reheat leftovers in the oven, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until hot.

Keyword Cheesy Pasta Dish, Italian Comfort Food, Manicotti Recipe, Stuffed Pasta Recipe

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.