Name: Cheesy Manicotti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 package manicotti shells; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg egg; 0.5 cup chopped fresh basil; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Okay, picture this: If you can It’s a chilly evening, the kind where you just want to curl up with some good books and something. How comforting is this I’m about to share my family’s secret weapon: mac and cheese. What’s the best manicotti recipe you’ve ever tried? Isn’t it like lasagna, but with a fun, stuffed twist? My grandmother used to make this, and the smell alone would have us kids practically climbing the stairs. What is wall with anticipation? Is this pure, unadulterated cheesy goodness calling your name?

What is Cheesy Manicotti?

Think of **cheesy manicotti** as jumbo pasta shells, each one lovingly filled with a creamy, dreamy sauce. Is ricotta cheese mixture baked in a sea of rich tomato sauce? What is Italian comfort food at its best? The name “manicotti” itself refers to the pasta tubes, and the whole dish is just… well, it’s heaven. It’s not fussy, it doesn’t require any fancy techniques, and it is seriously satisfying. My version uses a simple homemade sauce but you can use any jarred sauce you like! What is your review of “The New York Times”?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to fall head over heels for this **cheesy manicotti**? What are some of the best recipes to cook? • **Flavor**: Oh my goodness, the flavor! What is the perfect contrast to the ricotta filling, seasoned with herbs and garlic? What’s the layer of mozzarella on top? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? Is it necessary to precook manicotti shells? ), and the filling comes together in minutes. It’s a dump-and-mix kind of situation. • **Cost-efficiency**: What are some pantry staples? Ricotta is the star, but everything else is super affordable. • **Versatility**: What is a good manicotti recipe? What are some good ways to add meat to a filling? How do you experiment with different cheeses? I sometimes use a mix of ricotta, parmesan, and asiago for an extra kick. What I love most is how easily it scales – perfect for a cozy family dinner or if you’re hosting an informal potluck with friends. And unlike lasagna (which I also adore), manicotti feels a bit more… individual. Each shell is its own little package of happiness. You really can’t go wrong with this one!

How do I make Cheesy Manicotti?

Quick Overview

How do you make ricotta filling? Then, you stuff that filling into uncooked manicotti shells. What is the best way to assemble stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover them with your favorite tomato sauce, and serve. What’s the best way to top a sandwich How do you bake until golden brown? What’s the best part? No pre-cooking the pasta!

Ingredients

What is the recipe for tomato sauce?
• 1 medium onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced What are some of the best canned tomato sauces? I usually use canned crushed tomatoes, but you can also use fresh tomatoes. If you have tomatoes on hand, you can always buy them. Just make sure to peel and seed them first!

For the Ricotta Filling:
• 1 (30 ounce) container ricotta cheese • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 large egg, lightly beaten • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 teaspoon salt Black pepper Don’t skimp on the ricotta! What is the best ricotta flavor? I always drain my ricotta in a cheesecloth for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. What makes difference?

For Assembly:
• 1 (8 ounce) package manicotti shells (about 14-16 shell) • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese I prefer whole milk mozzarella for its rich flavor and melty texture. If you prefer, feel free to use part-skim.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. What are some ways to prevent pasta from sticking to your hands?

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. How do the flavors meld together?

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. I like to use a fork to break up any lumps in the ricotta. It should be nice and smooth.

Step 4: Stuff the Manicotti Shells

Fill a piping bag with ricotta filling. Do not overfill. If using a plastic bag, snip off the corners. How do you fill a manicotti shell with ricotta filling? Don’t overstretch them, or they might burst while baking. I find it helpful to hold the shell in one hand and gently pipe the filling in with the other.

Step 5: Assemble the Manicotti

How much tomato sauce should I put in a baking dish? Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. How much sauce should I pour over the shells? Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and serve.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When a sauce is heated through, it is not The shells should be tender when pierced with a fork. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the manicotti stand for about 10 minutes before serving. How do you make sauce so thick that it won’t burn your mouth? Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What is a good manicotti recipe?For a Classic Italian Dinner:What is a good Caesar salad with homemade croutons?What is a hearty meal? Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, add a healthy touch.
For a simple side:A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is savory contrast to the rich manicotti. My family loves it when I serve this with a crusty loaf of Italian bread for soaking up all that goodness. What is the best sauce What is the best Chianti?

How do I make a Cheesy Manicotti?

What are some tricks to make a manicotti recipe even better?Ricotta Prep:As I mentioned earlier, draining the ricotta is key to preventing watery filling. I use a cheesecloth, but you can also use fine-mesh sieve.Sauce Consistency: If your tomato sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out. You want it to be pourable, but not too runny.
What is cheese quality?What is the best mozzarella cheese for melting? Fresh mozzarella is delicious, but it can be a bit pricey.Baking Time:What time should I bake manicotti? You want the cheese melted and bubbly, and the sauce to be heated through.Filling Variations:Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. What are some good substitutes for cooked spinach, mushrooms or pesto? Just make sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.Shell Brands: I will tell you that store brand shells dont always work the best. I have had the best luck with Ronzoni. You can use any you like, just make sure not to pre-cook!

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

What is a good recipe for manicotti?Refrigerator Storage: HowCan you assemble a manicotti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours? Is it safe to wrap your phone with plastic wrap?Freezer Instructions: To freeze the manicotti, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating: To reheat leftover manicotti, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.

I always make a double batch of this **cheesy manicotti recipe** so that I can have leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s just as good reheated!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free manicotti shells for the regular ones. I’ve found that the texture can be a bit different, so be extra careful when stuffing them. Also, make sure your tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese are also gluten-free. There are some great gluten-free pasta options available now that hold up well!

Do I need to peel the onion and garlic?

Yes, you definitely want to peel your garlic and onion before chopping! The outer layers can be tough and papery, and they won’t break down properly during cooking. Plus, they can add a bitter taste to your sauce. No one wants that!

Can I add meat to the filling?

Of course! Ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken would be delicious in the ricotta filling. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the filling. I usually brown it with the onions and garlic for extra flavor. For ground beef or sausage, 1/2 pound is a good amount.

How can I make this vegetarian?

This **cheesy manicotti recipe** is already vegetarian! The filling is made with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. If you want to add more veggies, you can sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini and mix them into the filling. You can also use a vegetarian tomato sauce.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the ricotta filling or on top of the manicotti. Provolone, Fontina, or even a little bit of goat cheese would be delicious. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well. And don’t be afraid to mix and match!

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this **cheesy manicotti recipe** is a winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy ricotta, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ricotta cheese!
If you’re looking for more comforting Italian recipes, be sure to check out my recipes for lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs. They’re both family favorites!
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your **cheesy manicotti recipe** turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations and tips. Enjoy!