Surely there’s no heartier meal than a plate full of Stuffed Manicotti. Seriously folks, this filling, cheesy delight is one of those comfort foods that hits the spot right when you need it. It’s the perfect company on a chilly night, an impressive dish for a dinner party, or a luxurious treat for you, just because.
Stuffed Manicotti is basically tube pasta filled with a deliciously rich mixture of cheese. It’s baked to perfection, making it a lovely combination of creamy and slightly crispy. Oh, and did we mention it has cheese? Yep, it���s a real cheese-a-palooza! We reckon you’ll love it because it’s a fun recipe to make and astoundingly delicious to eat.
The not-so-secret weapon of this dish lies in its multi-dimensional cheese filling. It’s an alchemy of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, giving you that amazing creamy contrast to the baked pasta tubes. And seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices…. hot damn! Now that’s a cheesy traffic jam you’ll love being stuck in!
Oh, before we forget, here are the all-important timings and yields.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Yield: 12 manicotti
Right then, enough teasing your taste buds. Let’s dive into the cheesy realm of Stuffed Manicotti!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 beaten egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment: Large baking dish
These ingredients and their quantities are devised specifically to give your taste buds a ride to the cheesy heavens. However, if you’re allergic or intolerant to any particular ingredient, feel free to substitute it with a suitable alternative. Just make sure you don’t compromise too much on the flavor.
How to Make Stuffed Manicotti
1. Preheat your oven, butter the baking dish and cook the manicotti shells until they are al dente. Don’t overcook them!
2. In a large bowl, mix together your triumvirate of cheeses – ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan – along with the garlic, oregano, beaten egg, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Once the pasta is cool enough to handle, stuff your cheese mixture into each shell.
4. Then arrange the filled pasta in your buttered baking dish and pour the marinara sauce over the top.
5. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let it cool and then serve.
Tips For The Best Results
- Use fresh cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells. You want them to hold their shape.
Storage Tips
- Make sure the dish is completely cool before refrigerating.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes, you could also use cottage cheese or any other type of melty cheese.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can make it, then refrigerate and bake later.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. It lasts for about 3 months in the freezer.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: A side of garlic bread or a fresh salad would work wonders.
Q: Can I use pasta sauce instead of marinara?
A: Sure can! Any type of pasta sauce will work.
Nutritional Facts of Stuffed Manicotti
Each serving provides around 320 calories, 12g of fat, 36g of carbohydrates, and 17g of protein.
As we say goodbye, remember, Stuffed Manicotti isn’t just food, it’s a journey. A journey that’s a tad bit messy, gloriously cheesy, and above all, utterly delectable. So, if you love pasta, cheese, and an adventure in your kitchen, then this dish is just for you. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a glass of red, your favorite Netflix show, a cosy blanket… are you feeling it?
Right then, happy cooking, foodies! Go get yourself stuck into some Stuffed Manicotti!
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