Classic Manicotti Recipe

Rolling out Nonna���s favourite, Classic Manicotti Recipe, a staple of hearty Italian comfort food for your homestyle pasta cravings. These delicious pasta tubes stuffed with ricotta and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella will cast a magical spell that leaves your family asking for more. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, Sunday supper, or any special occasions, Classic Manicotti will become your go-to dinner party gesture. I promise, once you experience the rich, cheesy, saucy goodness of our Classic Manicotti, it’s going to ramp up your pasta game forever!

Let���s dive right into it!

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 servings
• Yield: 12 manicotti

With your apron tied up and your kitchen warmed up, let’s get into this manicotti mania!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 12 manicotti shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment: Large baking dish and a piping bag

The ricotta brings that creamy texture we all adore in manicotti. Pair that with the gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan, you’ve got yourself pasta heaven!

How To Make Classic Manicotti

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350��F (175��C)
2. Next, in a mixing bowl stir together the ricotta, half the mozzarella, parmesan, basil, egg, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Once it���s nicely mixed, spoon the filling mixture into a piping bag.
4. In your baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Pipe the filling into the uncooked manicotti shells and line them up in the dish.
5. Afterwards, pour the rest of the marinara over the filled shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top.
6. Finally, cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 mintues until the manicotti is bubbling and the cheese has melted.

Tips For The Best Results

• Use a piping bag which makes stuffing the manicotti shells a breeze.
• Always reserve some marinara and cheese for the topping, it’s key to the final deliciousness.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
• For freezing, let the dish cool completely then cover with plastic wrap and finally foil. It will last up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?

A: Certainly, replace mozzarella with provolone or use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if you prefer.

Q: How do I reheat frozen manicotti?

A: Just let it defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in an oven at 350��F until hot and bubbly.

Nutritional Facts of Classic Manicotti

This mouth-watering dish contains approximately 450 calories per serving, 20g of protein, 24g of carbohydrates, and 6g of dietary fiber.

To conclude, classic manicotti is an enthralling meal sure to bring a touch of Italian warmth to your home – special enough to serve at a dinner party yet heartwarming for a homely family dinner. Enjoy it hot with a side of crusty garlic bread and a good pour of your favourite wine. Buon Appetito!