Best 11 Manicotti With Tomato Sauce Recipes

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Are you in search of a culinary adventure that promises a perfect balance of flavors and textures? Look no further than manicotti with tomato sauce, an Italian classic that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. This delectable dish features tender pasta tubes generously filled with a savory mixture of cheeses, meats, and herbs, all enveloped in a rich and tangy tomato sauce. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this guide will lead you through the steps to create an unforgettable manicotti experience.

Let's cook with our recipes!

RICOTTA MANICOTTI WITH TOMATO SAUCE



Ricotta Manicotti with Tomato Sauce image

Our version of this beloved Italian-American dish is straightforward and delicious. Freeze any remaining sauce, and use within the next two months.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 package (8 ounces) manicotti, cooked, drained, and cooled
2 containers (15 ounces each) part-skim ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
1 ounce dried mushrooms such as shiitake (optional), soaked and drained (see cooks' note), and finely chopped (optional)
4 cups Basic Tomato Sauce

Steps:

  • Cook pasta, drain, and cool. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, eggs, thyme, oregano, and 1 cup Parmesan. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir in mushrooms, if desired.
  • Using a plastic bag for filling, stuff cooled pasta shells (about 3 tablespoons ricotta mixture in each).
  • Coat bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with 2 cups tomato sauce. Line up manicotti in baking dish, and cover with 2 cups sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan. Bake until bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 490 g, Fat 21 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 33 g

MANICOTTI WITH TOMATO SAUCE



Manicotti with Tomato Sauce image

After soaking the manicotti, gently pat it dry; this will help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, (about 15 halves)
6 sheets no-boil manicotti
1 sixteen-ounce container nonfat ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons roughly chopped plus 1 teaspoon fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
1 large egg yolk
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups Tomato Sauce
3 tablespoons (1/2 ounce) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Olive-oil cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place tomatoes in small bowl; cover with 1 cup boiling water. Let stand until softened, about 15 minutes. Dry with paper towel, and cut into 1/4-inch dice; transfer to medium bowl.
  • Fill baking dish with very hot water; place manicotti sheets, one at a time, in water. Let stand 10 minutes until softened.
  • To tomatoes, add ricotta, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil, egg yolk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and mix well to combine. On a clean work surface, place one sheet of manicotti lengthwise. Spoon about 1/3 cup ricotta mixture along front edge; roll to form cylinder. Repeat filling-and-rolling process on all manicotti. Spray 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive-oil spray; spoon about 1/4 cup tomato sauce on bottom.
  • Transfer manicotti to the dish in a single layer; cover with remaining 1 1/4 cups tomato sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Cover with foil; bake 10 minutes. Remove foil; bake until top is browned and sauce is bubbling, 12 to 15 minutes. Garnish with remaining teaspoon parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 240 g, Cholesterol 65 g, Fat 3 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 20 g, Sodium 840 g

STUFFED MANICOTTI WITH FRESH MARINARA SAUCE



Stuffed Manicotti with Fresh Marinara Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h35m

Yield about 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch salt
Vegetable cooking spray
1 pound ricotta cheese
1/2 pound shredded mozzarella cheese (in a 8-ounce bag)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped fine
8 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (recommended: San Marzano)
1/4 cup Italian parsley, fresh, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Make the crepes (crespelle):
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and melted butter. Gradually whisk in the flour and salt until the mixture is smooth. Refrigerate for 1 hour until slightly thickened.
  • Spray an 8-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Place the pan over medium heat. With a small ladle, pour about 3 tablespoons of the batter into the pan. Turn the pan at a 45 degree angle to coat the pan evenly so the batter forms a perfect circle. Cook the crepe only until lightly browned, about 30 seconds. Turn the crepe over with a spatula and cook the other side only until lightly browned, about 30 seconds. Slide the crepe onto a 12-inch platter and continue the process with the remaining batter. Stack the crepes between waxed paper so they don't stick. You can prepare these crepes a day in advance covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. No need to reheat the crepes before filling and baking.
  • Make the ricotta filling:
  • In a large bowl, add all the ingredients for the ricotta filling. With a large wooden spoon or spatula, stir all the ingredients until well blended. Store covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can make this filling the day before.
  • Make the marinara sauce:
  • In a large heavy nonreactive saucepan with a lid, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant but NOT browned. Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan and crush further with a potato masher. Simmer 30 minutes, slightly covered, on medium-low heat, stirring every so often.
  • Add the parsley, basil leaves and salt and pepper, to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce is slightly reduced. Taste and re-season as necessary.
  • Put it all together:
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with 1 cup of the prepared marinara sauce.
  • Spoon 3 tablespoons of the prepared ricotta filling 1 inch from the edge of a crepe. Roll evenly into a log, keeping the filling even as you roll. Repeat with the remaining crepes. Place manicotti seam side down and side by side in the sauced baking pan.
  • Spoon 1 to 2 cups of sauce over the top of the manicotti. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan.
  • Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and sides are bubbling. Let rest about 15 minutes before serving to firm up the manicotti filling.

MANICOTTI WITH MARINARA SAUCE



Manicotti with Marinara Sauce image

The simple ingredients and flavors of this dish make it palatable for the youngest Borgatti customers. You can buy pre-stuffed manicotti at the shop.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound ricotta
1 whole egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons minced parsley leaves
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper
Marinara Sauce, recipe follows
8 squares fresh manicotti noodles
1/3 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed plum tomatoes
10 basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and set a large pot of water on the stovetop to boil.
  • In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and salt and pepper. Set this filling aside.
  • Cook the manicotti in boiling water for minute. After they've cooked for one minute, remove the pot from the heat but do not drain the manicotti squares in a colander as the noodles often stick together. Instead, run cold water into the pot until you can fish the manicotti squares out safely with your fingers. Shake off the excess water as you remove each square. It is usually best to place the squares on a clean cloth to further blot them.
  • Lay the squares flat on a cloth, placing the filling across the center of the dough, leaving a little room at the edges on each side. Turn up the edge nearest you so that it lies on top of the filling. Now turn the edge farthest from you towards you so that it lies on top of the first edge. You now have a cannoli-like tube. Spread 1 ladleful of the sauce onto the bottom of a 9 by 12-inch baking pan. Turn the manicotti over and place seam-side down in the baking pan on top of the sauce. Continue until the pan has a layer of manicotti. Spoon 2 more ladlefuls of sauce over the top and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit 10 minutes before serving. Serve with additional sauce for individual servings.
  • Everyone has his own variation of marinara sauce. Borgatti's is basic and can be used throughout this book whenever marinara is called for. The seasonings and herbs can be adjusted, to taste.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Saute the garlic, salt, and pepper for 5 minutes or until the garlic is softened. Add the remaining ingredients, then raise the heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Simmer for 30 minutes. The sauce can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator and several months in the freezer.

MANICOTTI WITH EGGPLANT SAUCE



Manicotti with Eggplant Sauce image

This Italian-style dish from Barbara Nowakowski of North Tonawanda, New York has a hearty spinach and cheese filling and a well-seasoned tomato-eggplant sauce. Since the recipe calls for reduced-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, it will fill you up, not out!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 small eggplant, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
6 manicotti shells, cooked, rinsed and drained

Steps:

  • In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook and stir the eggplant, onion, garlic, tarragon and thyme until vegetables are tender. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes. Set aside., In a large bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, egg substitute, Parmesan and parsley; mix well. Stuff into manicotti shells. , Place in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon eggplant sauce over manicotti; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 314mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BEEF STUFFED MANICOTTI WITH BASIL TOMATO SAUCE



Beef Stuffed Manicotti with Basil Tomato Sauce image

This is the best manicotti recipe ever, I got it many years ago when living in San Francisco. It's so good I made sure to bring it with me when we moved to the Midwest. The sweet basil sauce pairs well with the rich cheese filling.-Melba Perlenfein, Barstow, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound ground beef
2 cups water
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1 medium onion, chopped
6 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, divided
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
3 cups ricotta cheese
1-1/4 cups grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, divided
2 eggs, lightly beaten
8 large manicotti shells, cooked and drained

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, tomato paste, onion, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil, garlic, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. , Preheat oven to 350°. Combine the ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup Romano cheese, eggs and remaining parsley, salt and pepper. Stuff into manicotti shells. , Pour half of the meat sauce into a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Arrange shells over sauce. Top with sauce; sprinkle with remaining Romano cheese. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 813 calories, Fat 43g fat (25g saturated fat), Cholesterol 274mg cholesterol, Sodium 2075mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 66g protein.

WEEKNIGHT MANICOTTI



Weeknight Manicotti image

I think the recipe came from the back of the box of manicotti. Have been making this recipe for years. I like to add some herbs to the tomato sauce just to spice it up a little. you can crumble the bread in a food processor. just pulse a few times.

Provided by patricemarion

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

18 manicotti
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 tablespoons oil
3 slices white bread, crumbled
2/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 dash pepper
28 ounces tomato sauce
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook manicotti until tender. While manicotti is cooking, brown beef in oil.
  • Combine bread & milk in a bowl & let stand for 2 minutes then add the the browned beef and remaining ingredients to bowl except for the tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.
  • Fill rinsed and cooled manicotti with meat mixture.
  • Spoon a bit of sauce over the bottom of a large pan and arrange filled manicotti in the pan.
  • Pour remaining sauce over top of manicotti and top with parmesan cheese.
  • Cover pan with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.
  • Serve with a nice salad and garlic bread if you wish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 497.3, Fat 32.7, SaturatedFat 13.6, Cholesterol 114.1, Sodium 1343.5, Carbohydrate 15.9, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 6.7, Protein 34.6

MANICOTTI ALLA ROMANA



Manicotti Alla Romana image

This rich meat, spinach and cheese filled manicotti dish is covered with white and red sauces. I offer this on the catering menu at my catering company and it is the most popular for casual dinner parties. It's a bit of work but well worth the effort.

Provided by markblau

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h50m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
salt to taste
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (12 ounce) package manicotti shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
2 cups half-and-half
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onions until translucent. Saute garlic for 1 minute and stir in ground beef. Cook until well browned and crumbled. Season with salt and set aside to cool.
  • Cook spinach according to package directions. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and parboil for half of the time recommended on the package. Drain and cover with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent the shells from cracking.
  • To the ground beef mixture add the cooked spinach and ricotta cheese. When the mixture is cool, add the beaten eggs. Spread 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Gently drain the manicotti shells and carefully stuff each one with the meat and cheese mixture; place shells in prepared dish. Lightly cover the dish with plastic wrap or a clean, damp towel to prevent shells from cracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Prepare the white sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and chicken bouillon. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble. Stir in half and half and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Pour or ladle the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
  • Stir the basil into the remaining spaghetti sauce. Carefully pour or ladle spaghetti sauce over the white sauce, trying to layer the sauces without mixing.
  • Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 611.7 calories, Carbohydrate 58.7 g, Cholesterol 134.2 mg, Fat 30.3 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 27.6 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 991.6 mg, Sugar 12.7 g

STUFFED MANICOTTI



Stuffed Manicotti image

Make and share this Stuffed Manicotti recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Chef Bexter

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

12 -14 shells manicotti (1 box) or 12 -14 cannelloni tubes (1 box)
2 cups ricotta cheese (low-fat or part-skim)
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (Divided 3/4 C & 1/4 C)
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 lb roasted & shredded cooked chicken (optional) or 1/2 lb chopped fresh spinach (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
3 -4 cups tomato sauce (any jar sauce is fine, Ricotta Parmesan is my fave OR use your favorite homemade basic tomato sauce.)
4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk (I use 1%)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch nutmeg

Steps:

  • Preheat Oven 350*F.
  • Lightly coat a 9x13 baking dish w/ cooking spray.
  • Cook MANICOTTI according to package directions, less 1-2 minutes - MANICOTTI should be al dente - drain and rinse with cold water until cool. Remove to paper towels to dry. Shells are easier to stuff if cool.
  • *Prepare BECHAMEL Sauce*.
  • In a Med saucepan, melt the BUTTER over medium heat. Add the FLOUR and whisk until smooth (2 mins).
  • Gradually add the MILK, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens (5-10 mins). DO NOT BOIL Sauce.
  • Remove sauce from heat and stir in the SALT, PEPPER & NUTMEG. (Sauce can be prepared & refrigerated for up to 3 days; excellent cream sauce for any pasta dish.).
  • In a large bowl mix together RICOTTA, 3/4 cup PARMESAN, Egg YOLKS, BASIL, SALT & PEPPER and any OPTIONAL Ingredient.
  • Stuff the MANICOTTI (I use either a baby spoon or a small butter knife, stuff from both ends, don't over stuff, should have enough for at least 10-11 shells).
  • Reserve 1/4-1/3 Cup of the BECHAMEL Sauce, then layer the remaining BECHAMEL Sauce in the bottom of the baking dish, swirl 1/4-1/3 Cup tomato sauce into the BECHAMEL.
  • Lay the stuffed MANICOTTI side-by-side in dish on top of the sauce.
  • Top the MANICOTTI with the remaining tomato sauce, covering the pasta completely; swirl the reserved BECHAMEL Sauce on top.
  • Lightly cover with foil and Bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with 1/4 Cup PARMESAN and bake for another 5-15 mins, until bubbly in the center and cheese is melted.
  • Let sit for 5-10 mins before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 644, Fat 42.8, SaturatedFat 26.1, Cholesterol 231, Sodium 2045.1, Carbohydrate 33.9, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 8.5, Protein 33.4

MARILYN'S MANICOTTI



Marilyn's Manicotti image

Provided by Marilyn B. Leone

Categories     Blender     Food Processor     Cheese     Tomato     Bake     Mozzarella     Ricotta     Basil     Prosciutto     Bon Appétit     California

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 24

Marinara Sauce
2 pounds tomatoes, peeled, seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
5 fresh basil leaves, cut julienne
1 teaspoon salt
Filling
1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
2 eggs, beaten to blend
1/4 pound prosciutto, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
16 Manicotti Crepes
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4x1/4x3-inch strips
5 fresh basil leaves
Additional freshly grated Romano
Manicotti Crepes
Store extra in the freezer for another use.
Makes about 26
3 eggs
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
Olive oil

Steps:

  • For sauce:
  • Chop tomatoes in processor. Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until soft (do not brown), about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, then tomatoes, basil and salt. Simmer until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Set aside.
  • For filling:
  • Beat ricotta in medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Mix in 1 cup Romano cheese, eggs, prosciutto and minced fresh parsley.
  • For Crepes:
  • Mix eggs and water in blender. Add flour and blend batter until smooth. Let stand 30 minutes. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
  • Heat crepe pan or heavy small skillet over medium-high heat. Brush pan lightly with olive oil. Remove pan from heat. Stir batter and ladle 2 tablespoons into corner of pan, tilting so batter just coats bottom. Return excess batter to bowl. Cook crepe until bottom is set (do not brown), about 5 seconds. Loosen edges with knife. Turn crepe and cook until second side is set (do not brown), about 5 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter, stirring occasionally. (Can be prepared ahead. Layer crepes between sheets of waxed paper and cool completely. Wrap tightly and refrigerate 3 days or freeze 1 month. Bring to room temperature before using.)
  • For Assembly:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spoon 2 1/2 tablespoons filling down center of crepe. Place 1 mozzarella strip atop filling. Fold both sides of crepe over filling. Arrange seam side down in large baking dish. Repeat with remaining filling and crepes. (Can be prepared ahead. Cover crepes and sauce separately and refrigerate 1 day or freeze up to 2 weeks. Bring crepes to room temperature before baking. Rewarm sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally.)
  • Stir whole basil leaves into sauce. Pour sauce over crepes. Sprinkle lightly with additional Romano cheese. Cover tightly with foil. Bake until heated through, about 35 minutes.

THREE CHEESE MANICOTTI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE MARINARA



Three Cheese Manicotti with Italian Sausage Marinara image

This manicotti recipe is filled with three cheeses & Italian herbs, then covered in a delicious Italian sausage marinara sauce! Created by Whitney Bond of WhitneyBond.com.

Number Of Ingredients 22

Italian Sausage Marinara
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound Italian sausage
1/2 cup red wine
6 ounce can Hunt's Tomato Paste
28 ounce can Hunt's Petite Diced Tomatoes
15 ounce can Hunt's Tomato Sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Three Cheese Manicotti
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 manicotti shells, uncooked

Steps:

  • To prepare the Italian Sausage Marinara
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, add the diced onions, cook 3-4 minutes then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the sausage and cook through.
  • Add the red wine, tomato paste, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
  • Add the kosher salt, black pepper, fresh basil, parsley and oregano.
  • Reduce to low, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes.
  • To prepare the Three Cheese Manicotti
  • Bring a large pot of water to boil.
  • Add the manicotti shells and cook 4-5 minutes, drain, then set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, basil, parsley and oregano.
  • Place this mixture in a piping bag, or plastic bag with a cut corner.
  • Pipe the cheese mixture into the manicotti shells.
  • Pour half of the Italian Sausage Marinara in a casserole dish.
  • Layer the manicotti shells on top.
  • Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.
  • Top with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Tips:

  • To ensure your manicotti shells cook evenly, boil them in salted water until they are al dente, about 3-4 minutes. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • When filling the manicotti shells, be sure not to overstuff them, as this can make them difficult to roll and seal. Aim for about 1/4 cup of filling per shell.
  • To prevent the manicotti from sticking together, lightly coat them with olive oil or cooking spray before baking.
  • For a crispy topping, sprinkle the manicotti with grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs before baking.

Conclusion:

Manicotti with tomato sauce is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please the whole family. With its creamy filling, cheesy topping, and rich tomato sauce, it's a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. By following these tips, you can easily make a delicious manicotti dish that everyone will love.

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