Name: Authentic & Easy Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489310H5M10S
Total time: PT-489310H5M10S
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 12 manicotti pasta shells• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping• 1 egg• 2 cloves garlic, minced• 2 tbsp (10g) fresh chopped parsley• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) dried oregano• 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) salt• 1/8 tsp (0.6ml) black pepper• 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce

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Imagine the aroma of freshly baked pasta wafting through your kitchen, the rich, creamy filling oozing with every bite. This Authentic & Easy Stuffed Manicotti Recipe is the epitome of Italian comfort food, a true delight for the senses. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Growing up in a traditional Italian household, I’ve had my fair share of manicotti dishes, but this particular recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s the culmination of years of perfecting the technique, experimenting with flavors, and honoring the time-honored traditions of Italian cuisine. With each forkful, you’ll be transported to a cozy trattoria in the heart of Italy, where the simple pleasures of life are celebrated with every meal.

So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to creating this truly exceptional Stuffed Manicotti Recipe. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning.

💖 What Makes This Recipe Truly Special?

This Stuffed Manicotti Recipe is a standout dish for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor profile is simply sublime. The perfect balance of creamy ricotta, tangy Parmesan, and a touch of fragrant herbs creates a harmonious symphony on the palate. The pasta shells are perfectly al dente, offering a delightful contrast to the rich, velvety filling.

But it’s not just the taste that sets this recipe apart. The ease of preparation is another key factor that makes it truly special. With straightforward instructions and a manageable ingredient list, even novice home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, but it also shines as a showstopping centerpiece for special occasions.

📝 Everything You Need for a Perfect Result

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp (10g) fresh chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) salt
• 1/8 tsp (0.6ml) black pepper
• 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce

The key to this recipe’s exceptional flavor lies in the balance of the filling ingredients. The ricotta cheese provides a rich, creamy base, while the mozzarella and Parmesan add both creaminess and a delightful savory note. The egg helps bind the filling together, ensuring a velvety, cohesive texture. The garlic, parsley, and oregano infuse the dish with aromatic Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Italy.

📖 Follow These Steps for Flawless Results

Prepare the Manicotti Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the filling is smooth.
Stuff the Manicotti: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture, making sure to evenly distribute the filling.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake the Manicotti: Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the prepared baking dish, seam-side up. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that all the shells are well coated. Sprinkle the top with additional Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the sauce is bubbling. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Allow the stuffed manicotti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley, if desired.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: 55-60 minutes

🥗 Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings.

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g

💡 How to Customize This Recipe ?

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free manicotti shells or substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles, rolled and filled with the same cheese mixture. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the noodles are fully cooked.
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta cheese, the mozzarella with a shredded vegan cheese, and the Parmesan with a vegan Parmesan alternative. Omit the egg and use a flax or chia egg instead.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño into the cheese filling. For an extra layer of heat, top the finished dish with a drizzle of spicy marinara sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

🎉 Elevate Your Meal with These Serving Tips

• Main Course Pairing: Serve the Stuffed Manicotti as the main event, accompanied by a fresh, crisp Caesar salad or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the dish with a sprinkling of fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a grating of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of elegance.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. For a non-alcoholic option, a crisp, refreshing Italian sparkling water or a light, citrusy spritz would also be a delightful complement.

⚠️ How to Sidestep Common Cooking Pitfalls ?

• Mistake 1 – Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid the temptation to squeeze too many stuffed manicotti shells into the baking dish. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in a soggy, unappealing texture. Instead, use a larger baking dish or cook the manicotti in batches to ensure even browning and proper heat distribution.
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the ricotta cheese, are at room temperature before assembling the filling. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense, heavy texture and make it challenging to evenly distribute the filling into the manicotti shells.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Ensuring your oven is properly preheated to the correct temperature is crucial for achieving a perfectly baked, golden-brown crust on the stuffed manicotti. Don’t be tempted to skip this step, as it can significantly impact the overall quality and texture of the final dish.

🥡 Smart Storage for Maximum Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover stuffed manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the baked manicotti to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in aluminum foil or place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, thaw the manicotti in the refrigerator overnight before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: For the best texture and flavor, reheat the stuffed manicotti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until piping hot. Avoid microwaving, as it can lead to a soggy, unappetizing result.

❓ FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cheese filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes the assembly process a breeze on the day you plan to bake the manicotti. Just be sure to let the filling come to room temperature before stuffing the shells.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While the traditional manicotti shells are the classic choice, you can certainly experiment with other types of pasta. Cannelloni tubes or even lasagna noodles, rolled and filled, can work well as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is cooked through.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this Stuffed Manicotti Recipe vegetarian, simply omit the egg and replace the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with their plant-based equivalents. Almond-based ricotta, shredded vegan mozzarella, and grated vegan Parmesan are all excellent substitutes that will maintain the delicious flavor and creamy texture of the original.

Can I freeze the unbaked manicotti?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed manicotti shells and freeze them before baking. Place the uncooked, filled shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply arrange the frozen manicotti in a baking dish, cover with sauce, and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I prevent the manicotti shells from tearing?

To avoid tearing the delicate manicotti shells, be gentle when handling them. Cook the pasta shells al dente, according to the package instructions, and allow them to cool slightly before attempting to fill them. When stuffing the shells, use a small spoon or a piping bag to carefully pipe the filling into each one, taking care not to overstuff or apply too much pressure.

✍️ A Final Word from Our Kitchen

This Authentic & Easy Stuffed Manicotti Recipe is a true culinary gem, a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients and the love that goes into every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting family meal, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who are lucky enough to savor it.

As you gather your loved ones around the table, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the rich history and tradition that this recipe represents. Allow the flavors to transport you to the sun-drenched vineyards and bustling trattorie of Italy, where the art of good food is revered and celebrated.

So, go forth and indulge in the delectable world of Stuffed Manicotti. May your kitchen be filled with the aroma of this irresistible dish, and may your heart be warmed by the joy of sharing it with those you hold dear. Buon appetito!