Delicious Manicotti Recipe: A Taste of Italy!

Manicotti RecipePhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Manicotti is a beloved Italian dish that features large pasta tubes stuffed with a rich and creamy filling, typically made with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Manicotti Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces manicotti shells (about 14 shells)
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
2. • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Cook the Pasta:
4. • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
5. Prepare the Filling:
6. • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
   • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   • Stir in the cooked meat mixture until evenly combined.
7. Stuff the Manicotti:
8. • Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and meat mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
9. Assemble and Bake:
10. • Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve:
12. • Let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. The combination of tender pasta, rich cheese filling, and savory marinara sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please everyone. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this manicotti recipe is a surefire hit. Enjoy the delicious taste of Italy with every bite!

Would you like more Italian recipes or tips on how to customize your manicotti? 😊