Indulge your senses with a culinary masterpiece that brings the heart of Italy right to your kitchen! Our Roasted Garlic Three Cheese Manicotti is not just a dish; it’s an experience that promises to elevate your dinner table and impress your guests. Picture perfectly stuffed pasta shells enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, layered with the creamy goodness of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, all enhanced by the sweet, aromatic essence of roasted garlic. Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Ready to dive into a world of cheesy delight? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 head roasted garlic
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- To roast the garlic, cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins.
- Cook manicotti shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mashed roasted garlic, chopped fresh basil, half the mozzarella, and half the parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag, ensuring they are filled evenly.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, covering them completely. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Roasted Garlic: For the best flavor, ensure your garlic is roasted until it’s soft and golden. This enhances its sweetness and makes it easy to mash into your cheese mixture.
- Al Dente Manicotti: When cooking the manicotti shells, aim for al dente texture. This prevents them from becoming too soft during baking and helps them hold their shape.
- Stuffing Technique: Use a piping bag for stuffing the manicotti shells for a mess-free and efficient process. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just as well!
- Layering Sauces: Don’t skimp on the marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the shells from sticking.
- Baking Tips: Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to keep the moisture in, then uncover it to achieve that bubbly, golden cheese topping everyone loves.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the manicotti to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving much easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness that enhances the dish visually and flavor-wise.With these tips, your Roasted Garlic Three Cheese Manicotti will be a showstopper that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
