Indulge in the rich flavors of this classic Italian dish with our scrumptious manicotti recipe. With tender pasta shells stuffed with a creamy filling of ricotta and spinach, all smothered in a savory marinara sauce, this dish is sure to please any crowd. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, manicotti combines comforting flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
– 12 manicotti shells
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 manicotti) contains approximately:
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 12g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Arrange stuffed manicotti on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
7. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, ensuring they are well coated.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option. Additionally, feel free to add ground meat or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and texture. Gluten-free manicotti shells are also available for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving and Pairings
Serve manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water to enhance the dining experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This dish can be frozen before baking; just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the pasta shells, as they can break when stuffing.
– Don’t overfill the manicotti; leave some space for the filling to expand.
– Use a piping bag for easier stuffing without making a mess.
– Make sure the sauce covers the manicotti to prevent drying out.
– Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.
– Check seasoning in the filling before stuffing.
– Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
– Use fresh herbs for more vibrant flavors.
– Experiment with different cheeses for unique variations.
– Let leftovers sit in the sauce overnight for enhanced flavor.
– Always taste your filling before stuffing.
– Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare manicotti a day in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of sauce is best for manicotti?
A classic marinara sauce works wonderfully, but you can also use Alfredo or a combination for a creamy twist.
Can I freeze manicotti?
Manicotti can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
How can I make the filling creamier?
For a creamier filling, mix in some heavy cream or a bit of sour cream with the ricotta and spinach.
What can I serve with manicotti?
Serve manicotti with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
This manicotti recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a comforting dish that brings a taste of Italy to your table. With its creamy filling and savory sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to share with loved ones!
Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange stuffed manicotti on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
