Irresistible Authentic Italian Manicotti Recipe to Try

There’s something undeniably magical about authentic Italian manicotti. Picture this: delicate pasta tubes stuffed to the brim with a creamy ricotta filling, bathed in a rich tomato sauce and topped with a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella. savory appetizers for Italian meals The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. delicious dessert options baked butternut squash side dish hearty soup options It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner party that takes you straight to Italy without the need for a passport. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

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I remember the first time I attempted to make this dish. My friends were over for what we called “Pasta Night,” and I thought, why not impress them with some homemade manicotti? Spoiler alert: it was a hit! From the first bite, they were singing my praises and begging for seconds. You’ll want to keep this recipe close because every occasion—birthdays, holidays, or even just Tuesday night—deserves a little Italian flair.

Nothing like watching my family devour these cheesy delights with smiles on their faces!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Manicotti Pasta Shells: Look for sturdy shells that can hold your filling without breaking apart during cooking.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it adds richness that low-fat versions lack.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, giving you that gooey texture we all love.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for a nutty flavor that elevates your sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Choose a quality marinara sauce or make your own; the flavor really makes a difference!
• Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves adds brightness and an aromatic touch to your dish.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves bring depth; sauté until fragrant before mixing into your sauce.
• Eggs: One egg helps bind the ricotta filling together, ensuring it stays inside those lovely shells!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance flavors—don’t skip these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Pasta Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot and season with salt; cook manicotti shells until al dente according to package instructions.

Create the Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, eggs, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Stir until everything blends smoothly; you want it creamy but not runny.

Stuff Those Shells!: Once cooled slightly, carefully fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of your cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Don’t be shy; pack them well so every bite is full of goodness!

Prepare Your Sauce Base: In another bowl or saucepan, mix tomato sauce with minced garlic and some additional basil. Spread half of this sauce at the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking.

Arrange and Top It Off: Place stuffed manicotti shells side by side in the baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over them evenly and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Bake Until Golden Brown!: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top; let it rest before serving!

Now you’re ready to dig into authentic Italian manicotti that will have everyone coming back for seconds—or thirds if you’re feeling generous! Enjoy those lovely layers of flavor as they dance on your taste buds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your manicotti shells until al dente, then prepare the ricotta filling while they cool. Assemble the dish by layering sauce and cheese, and finally bake to perfection for a bubbly, golden finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your filling! Swap in spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a twist, or sprinkle in some Italian herbs for an extra burst of flavor—make this dish uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until heated through—about 20 minutes should do the trick.

Cooking authentic Italian manicotti always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter fills the air, and everyone fights over the last piece! It’s truly heartwarming to see loved ones enjoy something you’ve made with care.

FAQ

What is authentic Italian manicotti made of?

Authentic Italian manicotti features pasta tubes filled with ricotta cheese and topped with marinara sauce.

Can I freeze manicotti before baking?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked manicotti; just cover it tightly and bake from frozen later.

How do I prevent my manicotti from sticking together?

To prevent sticking, lightly oil your cooked manicotti shells before filling them.

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Authentic Italian Manicotti

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• Author: Emma Taylor
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Experience the rich flavors of authentic Italian manicotti, featuring delicate pasta tubes generously filled with creamy ricotta, layered in savory tomato sauce, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinner nights at home. With its vibrant presentation and delightful taste, you’ll transport your loved ones to Italy with every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot; cook manicotti shells until al dente, then drain.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, egg, basil, salt, and pepper until creamy.
3. Carefully fill each manicotti shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, combine marinara sauce with minced garlic. Spread half of this sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Arrange stuffed shells in the dish and pour remaining sauce over them. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed manicotti (approx. 180g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg