Craving a mouthwatering Italian dinner that'll make your family think you've secretly trained in a Tuscan kitchen? Get ready to unlock the ultimate Easy Method for Manicotti - a dish so delicious and simple, you'll wonder why you've never made it before! This foolproof recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this manicotti recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Carefully add the manicotti shells and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Be gentle to avoid tearing the shells.
- Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the sauced manicotti.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the manicotti to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother cheese filling • Don't overcook the pasta shells - they should be just al dente to prevent tearing • If you struggle filling shells, use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with the corner cut off • For extra flavor, add some minced garlic or chopped fresh herbs to the cheese mixture • Let the manicotti rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier • Can't find manicotti shells? Substitute with large pasta shells • Make ahead tip: You can prepare the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking • For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 95mg
