Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that features large pasta tubes filled with a delicious ricotta cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it’s actually quite simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Follow this recipe to learn how to make manicotti from scratch and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Ingredients for Manicotti
For the Manicotti:
- 1 (8-ounce) package manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Manicotti
Step 1: Prepare the Manicotti Shells
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Fill the Manicotti Shells
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the manicotti shells, covering them completely.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Manicotti
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the manicotti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the manicotti hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Manicotti Shells
Manicotti shells are large pasta tubes that are typically stuffed and baked. They are similar to cannelloni but are larger and easier to fill.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that is commonly used in Italian cooking. It has a mild flavor and a smooth texture, making it perfect for filling pasta dishes like manicotti.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a soft, mild cheese that melts easily. It adds a gooey, cheesy texture to the manicotti and helps hold the filling together.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard, salty cheese that adds a rich, savory flavor to the manicotti. It is often used in Italian cooking to add depth of flavor.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a simple tomato sauce that is flavored with garlic, onions, and herbs. It adds a bright, tangy flavor to the manicotti and helps keep it moist during baking.
By following this recipe, you can create a delicious and impressive manicotti dish that is sure to please your family and friends. Enjoy!
