Easy Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

Let me talk about my latest kitchen victory. Meet the Easy Stuffed Manicotti Recipe — the soul-soothing cheesy pasta delight that’s become my household’s go-to comfort grub. Think of manicotti as these pasta tubes of goodness, jam-packed with a creamy, cheesy filling, all snuggled in a delicious tomato sauce blanket. Why should you try it, you ask? Because it’s like a hug on a plate, except with cheese. Lots of cheese!

Let me tell ya, nothing zips smiles on faces faster than when I whip this out on a Sunday evening. My husband, bless his cheese-loving heart, has declared it his “favorite thing ever” more times than I can count. And my little ones? They’re all about the gooey, cheesy fun. It’s like a fun pasta parade they can devour! It all started the day I realized my lasagna sheets were AWOL from my pantry. Instead of missing pasta night, I grabbed some manicotti and, voila! A new family classic was born.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

1. It’s like lasagna but lazier. Yet, impressive. No one’s counting your shortcuts.
2. All about the cheese, baby. The more, the merrier.
3. Leftovers that don’t feel like leftovers. Breakfast, why not?

How to Make It

Alright, buddy, let’s get this show on the road. So, first, boil your manicotti shells like a chaotic pasta pro. This is your gym workout for the day; they need to be just soft enough but still on the firm side. Now, while those bad boys are cooling off, grab all your cheesy squad — ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mixed to creamy perfection. Add some spinach or whatever greenery is haunting your fridge. Spice it up with some nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous.

Grab a big baking dish and add a generous splash of tomato sauce. Fill those manicotti tubes with all that cheesy glory — yes, as messy as it gets. Plop ‘em onto that saucy bed, and smother them with more sauce and shred some more cheese on top. Pop it all in the oven, crank up your favorite kitchen tunes, and let it bake until all that’s left is oozy, melty perfection. And yes, taste test is mandatory!

Ingredient Notes

– Ricotta Cheese: Makes it creamy with a dream. Plain, normal, or the whole-milk type that whispers sweet nothings to my calorie-conscious brain.
– Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, chewy wow-factor. Don’t skimp! Once I did; no one was happy.
– Spinach: A non-offensive boost of greenery. Optional, but hey, health points.

Recipe Steps:
1. Boil the manicotti until they’re almost soft.
2. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with spinach.
3. Spread tomato sauce in a baking dish.
4. Stuff the manicotti with the cheese mixture.
5. Place stuffed manicotti in the dish and cover with more sauce and cheese.
6. Bake until bubbly and golden.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t rush the boiling. Crunchy pasta is a party crasher.
– Fill ‘til your heart’s content. Less is a crime.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Toss ‘em in an airtight container and slap ‘em in the fridge. Cold pasta fans, you’re in for a treat. It’s surprisingly tasty cold, or zap it in the microwave for that just-baked vibe. And yes, manicotti for breakfast is totally acceptable.

Variations and Substitutions

Ran out of ricotta? Greek yogurt dared to step in once, and we’re still together. Want to spice things up? I’ve thrown in a squirt of sriracha at times for kicks. Oh, and if you discover that lonely zucchini in the fridge, shred it right in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

This easy stuffed manicotti recipe features creamy ricotta filling and savory marinara sauce for a delicious Italian dinner.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 12 pieces Manicotti pasta shells
• ▢ 15 ounce Ricotta cheese Whole milk
• ▢ 1.5 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 2 cups Marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley Chopped for garnish
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
• ▢ 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
• In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
• Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
• Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
• Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add cooked spinach or ground beef to the ricotta mixture before stuffing the shells.