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Classic Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

Stuffed manicotti is a classic Italian dish that has delighted families for generations. It features large pasta tubes filled with a rich and creamy stuffing, typically made from ricotta and mozzarella cheese. 

These tender tubes are then smothered in marinara sauce, baked to perfection, and topped with melted cheese. The result is a comforting, flavorful meal that's perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

This stuffed manicotti recipe is easy to make, even for beginners, and offers a delicious, satisfying alternative to traditional lasagna. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite.

🍽️ Recipe Preparation Equipment

To prepare this stuffed manicotti recipe, you will need the following equipment:

• Large pot: For boiling the manicotti shells.
• Colander: To drain the pasta after boiling.
• Baking dish: A 9x13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Mixing bowls: To mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and egg for the filling.
• Spoon or piping bag: For filling the manicotti shells with the cheese mixture.
• Cooking spoon: To stir the marinara sauce and cheese together.
• Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while it bakes.

🧀 What Do You Need to Prepare Stuffed Manicotti?

Here are the ingredients needed for this delicious stuffed manicotti recipe:

Ingredients:

• Manicotti pasta shells – 12-14 shells (usually one box)
• Ricotta cheese – 2 cups
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 2 cups (plus extra for topping)
• Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup
• Egg – 1 large (to bind the filling)
• Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup (chopped)
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Ground black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
• Marinara sauce – 3 cups (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (optional, for greasing the baking dish)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Easy Stuffed Manicotti Step-by-Step?

Classic Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s at the right temperature for baking the manicotti once it’s filled.

Step 2: Boil the Manicotti Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing

While the pasta is cooling, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Stuff the Manicotti Shells

Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Be sure not to overstuff, as the shells could crack. If you're using a piping bag, it makes the process much easier and neater.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells. Sprinkle a little more mozzarella cheese over the sauce for extra gooeyness.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese filling to set and make the dish easier to cut.

🌿 Variations

There are many ways to customize your stuffed manicotti recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Meat Lovers’ Manicotti: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the ricotta filling. This will give the dish a hearty, protein-packed twist. Simply brown the meat and mix it into the cheese mixture before stuffing the shells.
2. Vegetarian Stuffed Manicotti: For a lighter version, swap out the meats and use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini in place of the ground meat. This will give your manicotti a fresh, earthy flavor while still packing in plenty of nutrients.
3. Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti: If you love the classic spinach and ricotta combination, you can sauté some fresh spinach and mix it with the ricotta cheese filling. This adds a burst of green to the dish and enhances the flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Manicotti: If you're following a gluten-free diet, look for gluten-free manicotti pasta shells. Many gluten-free varieties work just as well as traditional pasta shells, and they taste great with the cheesy filling.
5. Vegan Stuffed Manicotti: For a plant-based version, use a dairy-free ricotta made from tofu or cashews. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture to help bind the ingredients.

🍳 Cooking Notes

When making stuffed manicotti, there are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

1. Boiling the Pasta: Be sure to cook the manicotti shells al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking them can cause them to break apart when stuffing.
2. Avoid Overstuffing: When filling the shells, don’t overstuff them with the cheese mixture. It’s better to have a little bit of space at the ends to prevent the shells from cracking.
3. Baking Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil during the first part of the baking process to keep the cheese from browning too quickly. The foil will also help steam the pasta, making it more tender.
4. Let the Dish Rest: Once you’ve removed the manicotti from the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce and filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
5. Homemade Sauce: If you want to take your manicotti to the next level, try making your own marinara sauce. It’s simple to prepare, and the fresh flavors will enhance the overall dish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Stuffed manicotti is a rich and hearty dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside:

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious marinara sauce. You can make your own or buy pre-made for convenience.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a light contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant are a great way to balance the meal with a healthy, flavorful side.
• Grilled Chicken or Sausage: For those who prefer meat with their pasta, grilled chicken or Italian sausage would complement the stuffed manicotti beautifully.

📝 Helpful Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure that your stuffed manicotti recipe turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use a Piping Bag: For a cleaner and quicker way to stuff the shells, use a piping bag to pipe the cheese filling into the manicotti. This ensures you don’t make a mess and fills the shells evenly.
2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After baking, allow the manicotti to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the dish set, making it easier to cut and preventing the sauce from running.
3. Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the manicotti, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
4. Freeze for Later: You can also freeze unbaked manicotti for up to 3 months. Wrap the assembled dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
5. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheese will give your dish a much creamier and richer taste. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents.

💡 Tips for the Best Stuffed Manicotti

1. Perfectly Al Dente Pasta: Cook the manicotti shells just until al dente, as they will soften further when baked. Overcooked shells can easily break apart when stuffing.
2. Layer the Sauce: Don’t skimp on the marinara sauce! A generous layer at the bottom of the baking dish will keep the pasta moist and prevent it from drying out.
3. Let It Rest: After baking, let the manicotti sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set. This makes it easier to slice and serve.
4. Top with Extra Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle some extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the manicotti before baking.

⏰ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 22g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 7g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g

❓ FAQs

Can I make stuffed manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish the day before and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Can I freeze stuffed manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked manicotti. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and bake it within 3 months.

What other fillings can I use for manicotti?
Feel free to experiment with different fillings like spinach, mushrooms, ground meat, or even a mixture of ricotta and goat cheese for a unique twist.

🏁 Conclusion

Stuffed manicotti is an Italian classic that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you simply crave a comforting pasta dish. With its rich, cheesy filling and tangy marinara sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some variations, this dish is guaranteed to please. 

So, grab your ingredients, gather your family, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s easy to make and even easier to devour!