Best 15 How To Make Manicotti Recipes

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Manicotti, a traditional Italian dish, features large pasta tubes filled with a delicious mixture of cheese, spices, and meat or vegetables. These succulent shells, often topped with a flavorful sauce and baked to golden perfection, offer a symphony of textures and flavors that burst in your mouth with every bite. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this comprehensive guide will take you on a culinary journey to master the art of crafting delectable manicotti at home. From selecting the right ingredients and creating the perfect filling to mastering the art of stuffing, baking, and topping the manicotti, you'll find all the tips and tricks you need to impress your family and friends with this Italian classic.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEESE MANICOTTI



Cheese Manicotti image

Cheese manicotti was the first meal I cooked for my husband, and all these years later, he still enjoys it! -Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
4 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup water
1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells
Additional parsley, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients; stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, mix marinara sauce and water; spread 3/4 cup sauce onto bottom of a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture; arrange over sauce. Top with remaining sauce., Bake, covered, 50 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. If desired, top with additional parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 361 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 1124mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

HOMEMADE MANICOTTI



Homemade Manicotti image

These tender manicotti are much easier to stuff than the purchased variety. People are always amazed when I say I make my own noodles. My son fixed this recipe for several of his friends, and they were extremely impressed with his cooking skills. -Sue Ann Bunt, Painted Post, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

CREPE NOODLES:
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
1-1/2 pounds ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 jar (26 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
Grated Romano cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Place flour in a bowl; whisk in milk, eggs and salt until smooth. Heat a lightly greased 8-in. skillet; pour about 2 tablespoons batter into center of skillet. Spread into a 5-in. circle. Cook over medium heat until set; do not brown or turn. Repeat with remaining batter, making 18 crepes. Stack crepes with waxed paper in between; set aside. , For filling, combine cheeses, egg and parsley. Spoon 3-4 tablespoons down the center of each crepe; roll up. Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Place crepes, seam side down, over sauce; pour remaining sauce over top. , Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 minutes longer or until heated through. Sprinkle with Romano cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480 calories, Fat 22g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 201mg cholesterol, Sodium 1128mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

MANICOTTI



Manicotti image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound fresh spinach, tough stems removed, or a 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 manicotti shells
3 cups Marinara Sauce, recipe follows
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (about 1 pound)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a mixture of half Pecorino and Parmesan
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, diced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 medium onion, diced (about 3 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices (3 1/2 cups), roughly chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • If using fresh spinach, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, and season generously with salt. Fill a medium bowl with ice water and season with salt. Boil the spinach until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, (keep the water in the pot boiling), and immediately plunge the spinach into the ice water. Drain and squeeze the excess water from the spinach, and finely chop. Alternatively, if using thawed spinach, simply squeeze, and finely chop. Set aside.
  • In the same large pot of boiling water, cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and pat dry.
  • Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Lightly beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Add the spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and 1/3 cup of the grated cheese and mix until evenly combined. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, the nutmeg and pepper. Spoon the cheese mixture into the manicotti shells and line them up in the baking dish. Cover with the remaining 2 cups sauce. Scatter the remaining 2/3 cup grated cheese on top and dot with the butter.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and season with pepper to taste. Use right away, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Yield: 3 1/2 cups
  • Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

BEEF AND CHEESE MANICOTTI



Beef and Cheese Manicotti image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 pound ground beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
14 (8-ounce package) manicotti
1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta
3 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups marinara sauce
2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

Steps:

  • Heat a heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, onion and ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until the meat browns and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, and cool.
  • Brush 1 teaspoon of oil over a large baking sheet. Cook the manicotti in a large pot of boiling salted water until slightly softened, but still very firm to the bite, about 4 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the manicotti from the pot to the oiled baking sheet and cool.
  • Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, 1 1/2 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and parsley. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix. Stir the cooled meat mixture into the cheese mixture.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Brush the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil over a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish. Fill the manicotti with the cheese-meat mixture. Arrange the stuffed pasta in a single layer in the prepared dish and spoon the remaining sauce over.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, then the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan over the stuffed pasta. Dot entire dish with the butter pieces. Bake the manicotti uncovered until heated through and the sauce bubbles on the sides of the dish, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the manicotti stand 5 minutes and serve.

EASY-TO-STUFF MANICOTTI



Easy-to-Stuff Manicotti image

It's so easy to make my simplified version of manicotti. I fill each pasta shell with a piece of string cheese for a deliciously gooey center, then I top the shells with a beefy tomato sauce. -Suzanne Runtz, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
14 pieces string cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook manicotti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Spread half of the meat sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Drain manicotti; stuff each shell with a piece of string cheese. Place over meat sauce; top with remaining sauce. Cover and bake at 350° until heated through, 25-30 minutes. , Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 558 calories, Fat 29g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 93mg cholesterol, Sodium 1059mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 42g protein.

HOMEMADE MANICOTTI



Homemade Manicotti image

This is a recipe my family has been using for 3 generations! It works perfectly every time! The manicotti are so delicate that they just melt in your mouth! Its so easy to make also! If you can make crepes, you can make these! See my photos for step by step instructions.

Provided by LILLIANCOOKS

Categories     European

Time 1h20m

Yield 24 manicotti, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 large eggs
3 cups cold water
3 tablespoons corn oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 lbs ricotta cheese
2 lbs shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated cheese, can use either romano or 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/8 cup chopped fresh parsley
6 cups of your favorite tomato sauce

Steps:

  • TO MAKE THE CREPES --.
  • Whisk all the manicotti crepe ingredients together to make a smooth, but very liquidity batter. Should be the consistency of a creamy soup.
  • Heat a 8" non stick skillet on med/high heat. When hot pour 1/4 cup of the crepe batter into the skillet and tilt skillet to spread batter evenly on bottom of entire skillet. See photo.
  • Cook til the crepe starts to look dry and til the edges start to pull away from the skillet. this should take about 1 minute. Then with a spatula, gently flip the crepe. Cook the other side for about 20 seconds.
  • Remove from skillet and repeat process til all the crepes are done. Stack them as you would pancakes. See photo.
  • TO MAKE THE FILLING --.
  • Mix together the ricotta, grated romano or parmesan, parsley and half the mozzarella.
  • Fill each crepe with 3 tablespoons full of filling, by placing the filling in the center of the crepe.
  • Then fold each side of the crepe over the filling, overlapping the crepe slightly. See photo.
  • Place seam side down on a large baking dish or aluminum foil tray. Placing them right next to each other.
  • Pour about 1/4 cup of tomato sauce over each manicotti. Then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
  • Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or till cheese has melted and manicotti are heat through.
  • Serve warm with extra grated romano or parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1259.6, Fat 73.8, SaturatedFat 42.3, Cholesterol 427.7, Sodium 2664.8, Carbohydrate 72.3, Fiber 5.4, Sugar 12.9, Protein 77.1

MANICOTTI SHELLS



Manicotti Shells image

Fill with your favorite filling, fold over sides and bake with sauce and cheese.

Provided by DianeW

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups water
6 eggs
¼ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Mix together: flour, water, eggs and salt to make a thin, smooth batter. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto lightly greased griddle. Cook until top forms film.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.8 calories, Carbohydrate 48.3 g, Cholesterol 279 mg, Fat 8.1 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 15.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 251.6 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

MEAT FILLED MANICOTTI



Meat Filled Manicotti image

This is a tasty and filling dish that can be nicely paired with a green salad if desired.

Provided by teppij

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package manicotti pasta
1 pound lean ground beef
1 ½ cups cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 egg whites
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and cool. Reserve.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet brown beef on medium heat. Drain and cool.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine beef, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg whites and oregano. Mix well. Stuff shells with mixture.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour enough spaghetti sauce in dish to cover the bottom. Place stuffed noodles in the dish. Cover with spaghetti sauce and top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 667.9 calories, Carbohydrate 50.5 g, Cholesterol 103.5 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 40.1 g, SaturatedFat 15.2 g, Sodium 1248.7 mg, Sugar 15.1 g

EASY MANICOTTI



Easy Manicotti image

No cooking the manicotti, so that's the easy part. Sometimes I will add some frozen chopped spinach, cooked and squeezed dry. A real easy meal!

Provided by HEP MEP

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb ricotta cheese
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
nutmeg (to taste)
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
salt and pepper
1 (5 ounce) package manicotti, uncooked
1 (15 1/2 ounce) jar prepared meatless marinara sauce (or homemade, if desired)

Steps:

  • Combine Ricotta, Mozzarella, grated Parmesan, sugar, egg, nutmeg, parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stuff uncooked manicotti generously with the cheese mixture, from both ends.
  • Arrange manicotti in a single layer in a baking pan.
  • Bring sauce to a boil and pour over manicotti, covering completely.
  • Cover baking pan with aluminum foil, crimping the edges to seal tightly.
  • Bake in a preheated 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 40 minutes.
  • Remove foil; sprinkle generously with additional grated cheese.
  • Bake uncovered for 5 minutes more.

MAKE-AHEAD MANICOTTI



Make-Ahead Manicotti image

I have used this basic principle and adapted it to make stuffed shells and lasagna. If making lasagna, I buy a second, smaller jar of spaghetti sauce. I always feel like I need a bit more. Merry Manicotti!

Provided by Sandir

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pint ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ tablespoons white sugar
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
12 manicotti shells
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and eggs until blended. Stir in spinach, mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, sugar, salt and pepper. Stuff mixture into uncooked pasta shells.
  • Spread 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a medium baking dish. Arrange stuffed pasta shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remainder of the sauce over the shells, cover dish, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Bake covered for 40 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese, and bake for another 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 506.6 calories, Carbohydrate 55.8 g, Cholesterol 112.3 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 28.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 1057.8 mg, Sugar 18.4 g

MEATY MANICOTTI



Meaty Manicotti image

This simple dish has been very popular at family gatherings and potlucks. You can assemble it ahead of time. -Lori Thompson, New London, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

14 uncooked manicotti shells
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
3/4 pound ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups meatless spaghetti sauce, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook manicotti shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage and beef over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Remove from the heat. Cool for 10 minutes., Drain shells and rinse in cold water. Stir the mozzarella cheese, cream cheese and salt into meat mixture. Spread 2 cups spaghetti sauce in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. , Stuff each shell with about 1/4 cup meat mixture; arrange over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. , Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and heated through. Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 507 calories, Fat 26g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 1265mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

HOMEMADE CREPE-STYLE MANICOTTI



Homemade Crepe-Style Manicotti image

Contrary to popular opinion, traditional versions of manicotti ("sleeves" in Italian) are made using fresh pasta sheets or crepes, which gives the dish its namesake drape, unlike when made with the store-bought tubes. Thanks to their high egg content, the crepes here are a sort of hybrid of the two in that they resemble fresh pasta but are super light and tender. They are also simple to make and to stuff (no more cracked pasta shells!). Resist the urge to cook the crepes in a nonstick skillet, which can cause scorching; a stainless steel pan is your best bet, allowing them to steam without the slightest sticking. One update to some original versions is that the filling is bound with mozzarella rather than an egg to keep the manicotti from being too firm. You can make the crepes and even assemble the whole dish ahead of time and then bake it just before serving.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h35m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Two 28-ounce cans whole, peeled D.O.P tomatoes (see Cook's Note)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, sliced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
3 large sprigs basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup water
Kosher salt
28 ounces whole-milk ricotta
1 cup shredded salted fresh mozzarella (from an 8-ounce ball)
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for sprinkling
3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the sauce: Combine the canned tomatoes in a large bowl, reserving the cans. Crush the tomatoes with your hands. Put the olive oil and garlic in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the garlic is translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until warm, about 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes. Fill each reserved can halfway with water, swish to collect any remaining tomato juice and add to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 35 minutes. Stir in the whole basil sprigs, season with salt and black pepper and remove from the heat. You should have about 6 cups of sauce.
  • For the crepes: Puree the eggs, flour, milk, water and 1 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Heat an 8-inch stainless steel skillet over medium-low heat (see Cook's Note). Pour 1/4 cup of the batter off center into the pan with a ladle or measuring cup, then swirl to coat the bottom. Cook until the crepe looks dry and pulls away from the sides of the pan, 1 to 2 minutes per side. The crepes should not take on any color. (It usually takes one or two tries to get it right so adjust the heat as needed.) Transfer the crepe to a plate. Continue cooking the crepes with the remaining batter, stacking them on the plate when they are done. You should have about 16 good crepes. At this point the crepes can be wrapped tightly and stored on the plate in the refrigerator up to 1 day.
  • For the filling: Combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmigiano, Pecorino, parsley, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • To assemble, preheat the oven to 375F. Cover the bottom of each of two 9-by-13-inch baking dishes with 1 1/2 cups sauce (it is fine to also add the basil sprigs to the bottom of the dish if you like). Divide the filling among the crepes (about 1/4 cup each) and spread it in a line down the center of each crepe. Roll the crepes into cylinders (leaving the ends open) and fit them snugly in the baking dishes, seam-side down. Spoon 1 cup of the sauce in a line down the center of each baking dish (it will only partially cover the crepes). The manicotti can be assembled up to this point, covered tightly and refrigerated overnight; remove the covering before baking.
  • Cover the baking dishes with lids or aluminum foil and bake until the filling is heated through and the sauce is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the cover, sprinkle with some Parmigiano and continue to bake until the cheese is melted and the edges are light brown, 5 to 10 minutes more. Heat the remaining sauce in a small saucepan or the microwave and serve alongside the manicotti.

CLASSIC MANICOTTI



Classic Manicotti image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup minced onions
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces or 2 (28-ounce) cans plum tomatoes, drained
Pinch of sugar
Salt and pepper
8 large pasta tubes
1 pound fresh ricotta cheese
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces grated Mozzarella cheese
4 sprigs of basil-garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. First, make the marinara sauce. In a saucepan heat oil. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, pinch of sugar, salt and pepper and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Puree the mixture through the fine disk of a food mill and then return to the saucepan. Reduce for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make your filling. In a bowl mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg yolk, minced basil, parsley, nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. Fill your manicotti tubes with the filling mixture. When all the tubes are filled place them in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over the tubes and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. (Can be refrigerated for several hours or overnight at this point or may be frozen.) When ready to cook, place in the oven and bake, covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 to 10 minutes longer, or until bubbling and heated through. Serve each portion with a sprig of fresh basil.

MANICOTTI



Manicotti image

Delicious! Serve with a crispy salad and garlic bread, and you'll have a dish your family will love! The kids like to help stuff the noodles too!

Provided by Anny

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 teaspoon dried parsley
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
5 ½ ounces manicotti pasta

Steps:

  • Cook manicotti in boiling water until done. Drain, and rinse with cold water.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan, eggs, parsley, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
  • Pour 1/2 cup sauce into an 11x17 inch baking dish. Fill each manicotti shell with 3 tablespoons cheese mixture, and arrange over sauce . Pour remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake 45 minutes, or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 676.3 calories, Carbohydrate 53.2 g, Cholesterol 188.8 mg, Fat 30.9 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 46 g, SaturatedFat 17.1 g, Sodium 1254.7 mg, Sugar 12.6 g

FRESH MANICOTTI SHELLS



Fresh Manicotti Shells image

A quick batter for fresh manicotti shells that taste MUCH better than dried pasta. Impress your family and friends with very little effort!

Provided by MNLisaB

Categories     Manicotti

Time 20m

Yield 7-9 shells

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
oil, for pan

Steps:

  • Stir milk gradually with flour, until smooth.
  • Add, stirring constantly, the beaten egg, to which the salt has been added.
  • For each shell/crepe, brush a six inch teflon coated fry pan with oil or butter.
  • Pour 1/4 cup of the batter in the bottom of pan, tilting back and forth so it spreads evenly.
  • Cook slowly until just set, do not brown.
  • When set on one side, turn over and let other side set.
  • Slide off pan and onto plate to cool slightly.
  • Repeat until all of the batter is used.
  • Place 2 TBS of your cheese filling into the center of the crepe/shell, bringing sides over so they overlap to hold filling inches.
  • Arrange side by side in baking pan with your favorite sauce, topped with shredded cheese.
  • Bake at 400* for about 20 minutes.

Tips:

  • Selecting the Right Manicotti Shells: Choose high-quality manicotti shells that are firm and smooth, without any cracks or blemishes.
  • Preparing the Manicotti Shells: Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them until they are al dente, which means they are still slightly firm to the bite.
  • Making the Filling: Use a combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings to make a creamy and flavorful filling.
  • Stuffing the Manicotti Shells: Fill the manicotti shells with the prepared filling using a piping bag or a spoon. Make sure not to overstuff the shells, as they may burst during baking.
  • Baking the Manicotti: Place the stuffed manicotti shells in a baking dish and cover them with a flavorful sauce, such as tomato sauce or Alfredo sauce. Bake the manicotti until the shells are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
  • Serving the Manicotti: Garnish the manicotti with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, or parsley. Serve the manicotti hot, accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion:

Manicotti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer. With its creamy filling, flavorful sauce, and crispy exterior, manicotti is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow these tips, and create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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