Manicotti Recipe
Create a comforting and indulgent Italian dinner with this classic Manicotti Recipe featuring ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and savory spaghetti sauce.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 5 ½ ounces manicotti pasta
- 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 16-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
Equipment
- 11x17-inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or piping bag
- Foil (for baking covered)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the manicotti pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until it reaches an al dente texture, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking and to facilitate handling.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, eggs, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread ½ cup of spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom of an 11x17-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Fill the Manicotti Shells: Using a piping bag, spoon, or your hands, carefully fill each manicotti shell with approximately 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells over the layer of spaghetti sauce in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Parmesan Cheese: Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the filled shells. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese to add a rich, savory finish.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and the cheese is lightly golden.
- Serve: Allow the manicotti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, accompanied by garlic bread or a fresh salad if desired.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the manicotti pasta with a gluten-free version. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the spaghetti sauce, are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 864mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1120IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 786mg | Iron: 1mg