Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper.
4. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off.
5. Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.
6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
7. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish.
8. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti shells.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 390
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 740mg
Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese.
- You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer instead of mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- You can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese and spinach mixture.
- You can use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of manicotti shells.
- You can add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the marinara sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the manicotti shells al dente, so they don't become too soft and mushy.
- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag to fill the manicotti shells with the cheese and spinach mixture, so it's easier and less messy.
- If you don't have a piping bag or a plastic bag, you can use a spoon to fill the manicotti shells.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the cooked manicotti for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the manicotti, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the manicotti in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the manicotti on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil on top.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Drizzle of olive oil
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the manicotti shells are too soft and mushy, try cooking them for a shorter amount of time or using a different type of pasta.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the manicotti shells and the filling to the appropriate temperature to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer promptly.
Food history:
- Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the Campania region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Savory
- Tangy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the manicotti as a main dish for dinner or lunch.
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Region: Italian