Manicotti Recipe

Manicotti is a classic Italian-American dish that features large pasta tubes stuffed with a delicious ricotta and spinach filling, topped with marinara sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. Here’s a simple and flavorful manicotti recipe for you to try!

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• Manicotti Shells – 12 (can be found in most grocery stores)

For the Filling:

• Ricotta Cheese – 2 cups
• Mozzarella Cheese – 1 ½ cups, shredded
• Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated
• Frozen Spinach – 1 cup (thawed and drained) or fresh spinach (1 cup, chopped and sautéed)
• Egg – 1 large
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Black Pepper – ½ tsp
• Dried Oregano – 1 tsp
• Fresh Basil – 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)

For the Sauce:

• Marinara Sauce – 3 cups (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
• Garlic – 1 clove, minced
• Dried Italian Seasoning – 1 tsp (optional)
• Salt – to taste
• Black Pepper – to taste

For Topping:

• Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup, shredded
• Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Manicotti Shells:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook according to the package instructions, about 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
   • Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly. Be careful not to overcook them since they will bake further in the oven.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach (squeezed dry if using frozen), egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and fresh basil if using.
   • Mix everything until well combined, creating a thick and creamy filling.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in the marinara sauce, season with Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Stuff the Manicotti:
   • Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture. You can use a spoon or, for easier stuffing, place the filling in a piping bag or plastic sandwich bag (with the tip cut off).
   • Arrange the stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Assemble the Dish:
   • Pour half of the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well-coated.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.
7. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve:
   • Let the manicotti sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Manicotti:

• Sauce Variety: You can use a meat-based marinara sauce or a homemade tomato sauce for a richer flavor.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
• Freezing: If you’d like to freeze the manicotti, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
• Add Meat: For a meat lover’s version, add cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Sugar: 7 g
• Vitamin A: 15% of the daily value
• Calcium: 25% of the daily value
• Iron: 10% of the daily value

Enjoy your homemade Manicotti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad! It’s a hearty, cheesy delight that everyone will love.