Traditional Italian Manicotti

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're craving a taste of Italy that feels like a warm hug, this Traditional Italian Manicotti is just the ticket. With its creamy cheese filling and savory marinara sauce, it's a dish that's perfect for both family dinners and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Manicotti

The heart of this dish is the ricotta cheese, which gives the manicotti its creamy texture. The mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, melty layer that everyone loves, while the Parmesan cheese brings in a nutty depth. An egg binds the filling together, and herbs like basil and oregano infuse the dish with classic Italian flavors. Salt and black pepper balance it all out, making every bite flavorful. Lastly, the marinara sauce ties everything together with its tangy, robust taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off to fill the shells easily.
  • If the shells tear, don't worry—just patch them up with a bit of extra cheese and sauce.
  • Make the filling a day ahead to save time when you're ready to assemble and bake.

Serving Suggestions

This manicotti pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. You could also serve it alongside a crusty Italian loaf for soaking up any extra sauce. For a refreshing touch, consider a glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling water infused with lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Substitute with triple the amount of fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti up to a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
What if I don't have manicotti shells?
You can use large pasta tubes or even roll the filling in cooked lasagna sheets as an alternative.

Traditional Italian Manicotti Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions. Aim for al dente—they'll finish cooking in the oven. Once they're ready, drain them gently and set them aside to cool slightly.

Now, in a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, along with the salt and pepper. Mix this well until you have a cohesive mixture. This is your delicious filling.

Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Take your time here; it's a bit like a delicate art project. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, then nestle the filled shells in a single layer on top.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top, then drizzle with olive oil for that extra touch of richness.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown—just how we like it. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy ricotta filling with a hint of herbs.
  • Simple yet authentic Italian flavors.
  • Perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.
  • A great way to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

8 manicotti shells
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture carefully.
5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Place the filled manicotti in the dish in a single layer.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Drizzle olive oil over the top for extra richness.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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