Description
Classic Manicotti is a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring large pasta tubes filled with a creamy ricotta and herb mixture, layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This traditional recipe is perfect for a hearty family meal and showcases the rich flavors of fresh herbs, cheeses, and garlic baked to bubbly, golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12-14 tubes Manicotti Pasta (Large pasta tubes designed for filling)
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (Whole milk ricotta for a rich texture)
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Use whole milk mozzarella for best results, divided)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutty flavor that enhances the dish, divided)
- 1 large Egg (Helps bind the filling together)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (Chopped for flavor)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped for color and flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust according to taste)
Sauce & Finish
- 4 cups Marinara Sauce (Store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Drizzle over assembled manicotti)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the manicotti once assembled.
- Cook the Pasta Tubes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti tubes and cook for 6-7 minutes until they are al dente. Drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and well blended.
- Fill the Manicotti Tubes: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring they are filled generously but without breaking the tubes.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble the Manicotti: Arrange the filled manicotti tubes in a single layer over the sauce in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the top of the assembled dish. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the manicotti from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese if desired for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a smoother filling, use whole milk ricotta cheese.
- Fresh herbs like basil and parsley enhance the flavor significantly; avoid dried if possible.
- Be careful not to overcook the manicotti tubes to prevent breakage when filling.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
