Homemade Manicotti Recipe
This Homemade Manicotti recipe brings the authentic taste of Italy right to your kitchen. This dish features delicate pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese, topped with rich marinara sauce, and finished with melted mozzarella. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving some Italian comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can recreate this flavorful dish. Plus, the combination of savory cheese and tangy tomato sauce makes this a perfect go-to for family dinners.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 9x13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon for stuffing pasta shells
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Boil the manicotti shells in salted water until they are slightly undercooked (al dente), about 6-7 minutes. Drain and let them cool.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the shells: Using a spoon, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
- Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the manicotti.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with additional basil and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach or ground beef for a variation in the filling.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat ricotta cheese.
