If you have ever craved a comforting classic Italian dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening, look no further than this Authentic Manicotti Recipe That Brings Comfort to Your Table Recipe. This dish combines tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy ricotta mixture, generously topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella that bubbles to golden perfection in the oven. It’s an easy yet impressive recipe that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your heart with happiness, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors that define this dish.
- 14 manicotti pasta shells: Uncooked for convenience, these tubes will hold all that delicious cheesy filling perfectly.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: The creamy base that creates a smooth, mild, and slightly tangy filling.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a gooey, stretchy texture that melts beautifully throughout the manicotti.
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty bite that elevates every forkful.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the filling together while baking.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried): Offers a touch of freshness and a pop of green color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the cheese.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth to balance the richness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A classic secret that adds warmth and depth to the cheese filling.
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided: The tangy, herby tomato sauce that ties everything together perfectly.
- Optional garnish: fresh basil, extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes: Customize the dish with a personal touch of color and flavor.
How to Make Authentic Manicotti Recipe That Brings Comfort to Your Table Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce generously across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a flavorful base that prevents the manicotti from sticking and adds moisture during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Stir everything together until smooth and uniformly mixed. This blend creates the heart of the dish — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Fill the Manicotti Shells
Transfer your cheese mixture into a piping bag or use a large zip-top bag with the tip snipped off. This makes filling each uncooked manicotti shell cleaner and easier. Carefully stuff each pasta tube fully with the cheesy goodness, being gentle so the shells don’t break.
Step 4: Arrange in the Baking Dish
Place each filled shell upright in the baking dish over the marinara sauce you already spread. This hands-on step is surprisingly satisfying as you see your plates starting to come alive with layers of comforting goodness.
Step 5: Add More Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti shells. If you want extra cheesiness, sprinkle a bit more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top to create that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the top is slightly golden, signaling it’s ready to enjoy.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
After you take it out of the oven, let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This pause allows everything to set nicely, making it easier to serve. Add your favorite fresh basil or parsley garnish and perhaps a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
How to Serve Authentic Manicotti Recipe That Brings Comfort to Your Table Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil and parsley are simple ways to brighten the dish visually and enhance the aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a delightful salty finish, while red pepper flakes bring just a touch of heat, perfectly balancing the creamy texture and tangy tomato sauce.
Side Dishes
Complement this hearty meal with light, crisp salads such as a classic Caesar or arugula with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for sopping up extra sauce, combining to make a well-rounded Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, try layering the filled manicotti with thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added texture and color. Alternatively, serve individual manicotti portions in mini casserole dishes for an elegant dinner party presentation that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making for an excellent next-day meal that tastes just as satisfying as when freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Authentic Manicotti Recipe That Brings Comfort to Your Table Recipe ahead of time, assemble the manicotti and freeze it unbaked in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen — just add extra baking time covered with foil.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through to keep the dish moist and delicious. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, although the oven maintains the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil manicotti shells for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is designed to use uncooked manicotti shells that bake perfectly as the dish cooks. Just be sure to fill them carefully to avoid breaking since they soften in the sauce during baking.
What can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
While ricotta is traditional, you can substitute it with cottage cheese that’s been drained and blended for a smoother texture or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to mimic the creaminess.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
The traditional manicotti shells contain gluten, but you can often find gluten-free pasta tubes at specialty stores. Use those to maintain the intended texture and enjoy a gluten-free version of this comforting dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian since it relies on cheese and marinara sauce. Just be sure your marinara sauce contains no meat-based ingredients, and you’re all set.
How can I make the filling less rich?
To lighten the filling, reduce the amount of mozzarella slightly or replace half of the ricotta with part-skim cottage cheese. Adding more fresh herbs and subtle spices can also brighten the flavor without adding heaviness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so deeply satisfying about this Authentic Manicotti Recipe That Brings Comfort to Your Table Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and savory tomato sauce—like a hug in food form. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving a cozy meal to treat yourself, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a cherished staple in your home cooking repertoire.
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Authentic Manicotti Recipe That Brings Comfort to Your Table Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This authentic manicotti recipe delivers a comforting Italian classic filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, flavored with fresh herbs and spices, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish offers warm, cheesy goodness that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 14 manicotti pasta shells (uncooked)
Cheese Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided
- Optional garnish: fresh basil, extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a flavorful base.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy cheese filling.
- Fill Manicotti Shells: Transfer the cheese mixture into a piping bag or a large zip-top plastic bag. Snip off one corner to create a small opening, then carefully fill each uncooked manicotti shell with the cheese mixture until fully stuffed.
- Arrange Shells: Place the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce in the baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the filled pasta shells. If desired, sprinkle extra cheese on top for an added cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is slightly golden and appealing.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the manicotti rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes as desired before serving.
Notes
- Do not pre-cook the manicotti shells; they will cook in the sauce while baking.
- Using fresh parsley adds brighter flavor but dried parsley works well too.
- For a spicier dish, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking or as a garnish.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon can be used to carefully fill the shells.
- Letting the manicotti rest after baking helps the filling set and prevents it from falling apart when serving.
