Imagine diving into a perfectly baked pasta dish that's creamy, cheesy, and bursting with authentic Italian flavors - without spending hours in the kitchen! This make-ahead homemade manicotti recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this recipe promises to transform your dinner table into a little slice of Italy.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your manicotti bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the manicotti shells and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until they are al dente. Be cautious not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Make sure to fill them generously but avoid overfilling, as the cheese will expand during baking.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the manicotti from sticking and add flavor.
- Place the filled manicotti shells in a single layer on top of the marinara sauce in the baking dish. Once all shells are placed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that all the shells are covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the sauce. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it does not touch the cheese. This will help retain moisture while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the manicotti from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set a bit, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish with fresh basil or additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your homemade manicotti!
Tips
- Cook manicotti shells al dente: Slightly undercook the pasta shells, as they'll continue cooking in the oven. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with the corner cut off for easy and mess-free cheese filling.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley to your cheese mixture.
- Make ahead tip: You can assemble the manicotti up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time.
- Ensure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make cutting and serving smoother.
- For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
