Classic Italian Manicotti Recipe

Ingredients

14 Manicotti shells
3 cups Ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 jar (about 26 ounces) marinara sauce
Additional shredded Mozzarella cheese for topping
Additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cook Manicotti shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine Ricotta cheese, Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and nutmeg. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.
Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Fill each Manicotti shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
Pour the remainder of marinara sauce over the filled Manicotti shells.
Sprinkle additional Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the cheese mixture.
Baking Dish - A 9x13 inch dish for baking the manicotti.
Aluminum Foil - Used to cover the baking dish while baking.
Spoon - For stirring and mixing the cheese mixture.
Cooking Pot - For boiling the manicotti shells.
Colander - To drain the cooked manicotti shells.
Oven - To preheat and bake the manicotti.

Recipe variations

Substitute the marinara sauce with a homemade tomato sauce or alfredo sauce for a different flavor.
Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the cheese mixture for a meaty version.
Include sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the cheese filling for added flavor and nutrition.
Replace the Manicotti shells with cannelloni tubes or large pasta shells if unavailable.
Experiment with different cheeses such as Fontina, Gruyere, or Asiago in place of Mozzarella.
Add herbs and spices like basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells and ensuring the ingredients you use are gluten-free.
For a lighter version, use low-fat or part-skim Ricotta cheese and reduced-fat Mozzarella cheese.

Recipe overview

Get ready to delight your taste buds with this classic Italian dish, Manicotti. This recipe is all about pasta tubes stuffed with a glorious blend of Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with a hint of nutmeg and parsley. The filled pasta is then blanketed in rich marinara sauce, topped with even more cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden brown. It's a comfort food classic that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. While it might seem a bit elaborate, don't worry. This step-by-step recipe will make the process easy and enjoyable. So, roll up your sleeves and impress your loved ones with this homemade Manicotti!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of Manicotti shells?
Yes, you can substitute Manicotti shells with other types of pasta such as jumbo shells or cannelloni tubes.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, you can experiment with different cheese varieties like cottage cheese, fontina, or provolone.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the Manicotti.
Can I freeze the Manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze the Manicotti before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
How long does it take to cook the Manicotti?
The Manicotti needs to bake for approximately 25-30 minutes covered with foil, and an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking dish - A 9x13 inch baking dish is ideal for baking the manicotti.
Mixing bowl - Use a large mixing bowl to combine the cheese mixture.
Aluminum foil - Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil helps cook the manicotti evenly.
Spatula - Use a spatula to spread the marinara sauce and to serve the manicotti.
Oven mitts - Protect your hands from the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
Cheese grater - If using fresh Parmesan cheese, a cheese grater will be needed to grate the cheese.

Origin stories

Manicotti, an Italian word meaning "little sleeves", is a type of pasta popular in the United States and is typically associated with Italian-American cuisine. The dish's roots can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States. Rather than using traditional Italian cannelloni, they adapted the recipe to use a local pasta that was similar in shape but slightly larger - the Manicotti. This allowed for a more substantial filling, a feature that quickly gained popularity. Over time, the dish has evolved, with each generation adding its own touch, making Manicotti a beloved staple in many American homes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.