Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
4. Stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the manicotti shells.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the baked manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 429
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 124mg
Sodium: 1206mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 26g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese.
- You can use any type of shredded cheese instead of mozzarella cheese.
- You can use any type of pasta sauce instead of marinara sauce.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the cheese mixture for a meaty version.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for a veggie-packed version.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as shells or rigatoni, instead of manicotti shells.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful not to overcook the manicotti shells, as they will become too soft and difficult to stuff.
- Use a piping bag to make it easier to stuff the cheese mixture into the manicotti shells.
- Make sure to cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover baked manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the baked manicotti, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked manicotti on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of the baked manicotti before serving.
Pairings:
Serve the baked manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the manicotti shells are too difficult to stuff, try soaking them in hot water for a few minutes to soften them up.
- If the cheese mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the manicotti shells and the cheese mixture to the appropriate temperature to prevent any foodborne illness.
Food history:
Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the 14th century. It is typically made with pasta tubes that are stuffed with a cheese or meat filling and baked in a tomato sauce.
Flavor profiles:
The baked manicotti has a rich and creamy cheese filling that is complemented by the tangy tomato sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked manicotti as a main dish for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Herby, Comforting