Manicotti

Savor the delightful balance of creamy ricotta filling and tangy marinara sauce with this classic Baked Manicotti recipe. A comforting Italian dish that brings warmth to the table, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

🍝 1 (8 oz) package of Manicotti
🍅 1 (28 oz) jar marinara sauce (your favorite)
🧀 1 cup mozzarella cheese for topping
🌿 Parsley for garnish

🧀 32 ounces ricotta cheese
🧀 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
🥚 1 egg
🌿 1/4 cup chopped parsley
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🍃 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
🧂 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1- Prepare the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan, mozzarella cheese, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
• Mix well and set aside.

2- Cook the Manicotti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the manicotti shells and boil for 5 minutes.
• Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3- Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4- Stuff the Manicotti Shells:

• Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off, fill each of the manicotti noodles with the prepared cheese mixture.

5- Assemble the Dish:

• In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom.
• Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti.
• You can cover the pasta entirely or opt for a row of sauce down the center.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

6- Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

7- Serve:

• Remove foil, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
• Enjoy the hearty flavors of this comforting dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories (per serving): Around 480 kcal
Protein (per serving): 30g
Fats (per serving): 24g
Carbohydrates (per serving): 36g
Equipment: Large mixing bowl, piping bag or ziplock bag, baking dish, aluminum foil

Cooking Tips:

• Use fresh parsley for the garnish to enhance flavor.
• For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• You can substitute marinara sauce with your homemade tomato sauce.

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Classic Baked Manicotti