When I think of a cozy Italian dinner, my mind immediately drifts to manicotti. It's that warm hug of a meal that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a loaf of crusty garlic bread. Picture yourself twirling your fork around a tender shell filled with creamy ricotta, topped with a rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese.
Inviting friends over? This dish is bound to impress. It’s both nostalgic and comforting while making a grand statement that says, "Welcome!"
Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that sings comfort food notes. At its core are pasta shells—large enough to store a sumptuous filling—bathed in sauce and cheese. While this dish can often seem daunting—imagining homemade pasta and time-consuming fillings—the reality is far more approachable.
Trust me, you can whip up a batch of these delicious manicotti in your own kitchen without breaking a sweat!
Manicotti features large tube-shaped pasta that is typically filled with a blend of cheeses, herbs, and sometimes spinach or meat, then topped generously with marinara sauce and baked until bubbly. Originating from Southern Italy, this dish has made its way around the world and become a cherished staple in many homes, thanks to its adaptability and heartiness.
The beauty of manicotti lies in its fillings and sauces. Here, the creamy ricotta mingles beautifully with the rich mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan, creating a delightful texture and flavor explosion in each bite. When baked, the cheese melts and combines with the marinara sauce, creating harmony on your plate. Plus, using fresh herbs like parsley ensures every forkful bursts with freshness, taking everyday ingredients to a whole new level.
- 8 large eggs
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large container (32 oz) and 1 small container (15 oz) of part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 medium container (16 oz) and 1 small container (8 oz) of fresh mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk or water
- ¼ cup finely diced flat-leaf parsley
- New Ingredient: 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- New Ingredient: 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 6 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Ingredients From : thebrooklynmom.com
Creating authentic manicotti is not just about following a recipe. It’s a process filled with love and joy, where you’ll find yourself getting into a delicious rhythm. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can tackle this with confidence.
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your manicotti will come out perfectly golden and bubbly after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the pasta shells. Whisk together the eggs, water, flour, and salt until the mixture is smooth. Don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy; that can be part of its charm.
Place your non-stick frying pan on the stove over low to medium heat. Spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to keep the pasta from sticking.
Fill a ladle about three-quarters full with your shell mixture. Pour it into the hot pan and give it a quick swirl to coat the pan evenly. Immediately pour any excess batter back into the bowl. Cook each shell for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the pan. Carefully use a paring knife to loosen the edges and flip the shell, allowing it to cook for another 10 seconds until it’s just set.
Remove the cooked shells from the pan and transfer them onto a parchment-lined tray. This will prevent them from sticking together as they cool. Repeat the process until all the batter is used—this should yield about 14-16 shells, depending on the thickness of your shells.
Ladle some marinara sauce into the bottom of your baking dish. This step is crucial as it will prevent the shells from sticking and enhance flavor.
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the ricotta filling into the center of each shell. Fold the edges over to enclose the filling snugly, placing the seam side down in the baking dish. Keep going until you've filled all those delightful shells!
Once filled, ladle more marinara sauce over the top to fully cover the manicotti. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over the dish—it will create a lovely crusty topping as it bakes.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden.
- Use Fresh Pasta: If you want to take it up a notch, consider using fresh pasta sheets for your shells instead of making the batter. Just pre-cook them briefly.
- Chill the Filling: Chill your filling mixture in the fridge before filling the shells. This helps everything hold together better.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the shells and filling a day in advance. Assemble and bake when you're ready to serve!
- Experiment with Flavors: Mix in your favorite spices or a hint of crushed red pepper for heat.
- Go Heavy on the Sauce: Don’t be shy with the sauce. It not only prevents sticking but also adds that comforting touch.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely with this dish!), allow it to cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it should be good for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Each serving of this manicotti recipe contains approximately 450 calories, with a good protein source from the ricotta and mozzarella. It’s packed with flavor while remaining relatively low in saturated fat, especially if you opt for part-skim cheese. The addition of spinach provides a boost of vitamins too!
- With Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side for that delicious starter or to soak up leftover sauce.
- With a Green Salad: A fresh side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the manicotti.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables make for a colorful, healthy side that complements the meal beautifully.
- With Red Wine: Pair with a glass of Chianti or Merlot; the acidity of the wine cuts through the richness.
- As a Family Style Dinner: Serve it big and share it! Set the table and let everyone dig in family-style for a warm gathering atmosphere.
- Substitute Ricotta: Cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta for a similar creamy texture.
- Replace Mozzarella: Provolone or Fontina cheeses can give a different but delightful flavor profile.
- Omit Fresh Parsley: Basil or oregano can easily replace parsley for that Italian flavor.
- Swap out Marinara Sauce: Alfredo sauce works for a creamy twist, though it creates a different dish altogether!
- Replace All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a nutty flavor and better nutrition.
This authentic manicotti recipe is a delightful journey into Italian comfort food. With tender pasta, a delectable cheese filling, and rich marinara sauce, it’s a meal that brings families together and warms the heart.
Whether you’re gathering friends for a weekend dinner or whipping it up for a family weeknight meal, you’re bound to create memories that will last as long as the savory leftovers. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let the pasta magic begin!
Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that sings comfort food notes. At its core are pasta shells—large enough to store a sumptuous filling—bathed in sauce and cheese. While this dish can often seem daunting—imagining homemade pasta and time-consuming fillings—the reality is far more approachable.
- Use Fresh Pasta: If you want to take it up a notch, consider using fresh pasta sheets for your shells instead of making the batter. Just pre-cook them briefly.
- Chill the Filling: Chill your filling mixture in the fridge before filling the shells. This helps everything hold together better.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the shells and filling a day in advance. Assemble and bake when you're ready to serve!
- Experiment with Flavors: Mix in your favorite spices or a hint of crushed red pepper for heat.
- Go Heavy on the Sauce: Don’t be shy with the sauce. It not only prevents sticking but also adds that comforting touch.
Lauren Miller is a Maryland-based registered dietitian and the creator of Comfort Food Meals, where she shares easy, nutritious, and heartwarming recipes inspired by her love for comforting, home-cooked meals. With a focus on using wholesome ingredients, Lauren aims to balance indulgence with nutrition in every dish. Her goal is to help others create meals that nourish both body and soul.