Classic Manicotti: Creamy Cheese Stuffed Pasta

Manicotti RecipePhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Manicotti is a beloved Italian-American dish featuring large pasta tubes stuffed with a rich and creamy cheese filling, then baked in a savory marinara sauce.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Manicotti Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 5 1/2 ounces manicotti pasta (about 14 shells)
• 1 jar (16 ounces) spaghetti sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
2. • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the manicotti shells and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
   • Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Filling:
4. • In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, eggs, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Stuff the Manicotti:
6. • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Pour 1/2 cup of the spaghetti sauce into the bottom of an 11x17-inch baking dish.
   • Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
   • Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish.
7. Assemble the Casserole:
8. • Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
9. Bake:
10. • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 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 fresh parsley if desired.

Conclusion:

Manicotti is a classic dish that brings together the comforting flavors of creamy cheese and savory marinara sauce. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any dinner table. Serve it with a crispy salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of homemade manicotti with your loved ones!

FAQs:

Q: Can I add meat to the filling? A: Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even spinach to the cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze manicotti? A: Absolutely! You can freeze manicotti before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish and cover tightly with foil. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap each portion individually and store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy making and eating your classic manicotti! If you have any other questions or need more recipes, feel free to ask. 😊