Creamy Dreamy Baked Manicotti

Alright, let's dive into some serious comfort food. ever crave something warm, cheesy, and undeniably italian? of course you do! this baked manicotti recipe is about to become your new best friend.

It's the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table happy. think creamy ricotta, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly baked pasta.

What's not to love?

Craving Comfort? Baked Manicotti is Your Answer

This dish? it’s italian pasta recipes at its finest. imagine this: baked manicotti that's been bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with that incredible smell of tomatoes, garlic, and cheese.

Mama mia! this isn't just food. it’s a memory in the making.

A Little History (and a Whole Lotta Flavor)

Manicotti is basically the fancy cousin of lasagna. seriously. the name itself means "sleeves," which makes sense when you see those big pasta tubes.

This comfort food recipes has roots deep in italian-american cooking, a celebration of simple ingredients and big flavors. this recipe is a medium level, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes.

It makes enough to feed about 6-8 hungry souls.

Why You Need This in Your Life Right Now

Okay, so why should you make this instead of ordering pizza? well, first off, the manicotti filling , packed with ricotta and parmesan, is a protein powerhouse.

The tomato sauce recipe italian gives you a good dose of antioxidants from the tomatoes. plus, this baked manicotti is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner ideas italian or a special sunday supper.

You can even make it ahead of time. what truly makes this easy italian dinners special is the personal touch you add.

Every family has their own twist, and i'm excited for you to discover yours. plus, baked manicotti makes for the best comfort food for cold nights.

Let's get started with the ingredients!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some truly amazing baked manicotti . honestly, it’s easier than you think.

This isn't rocket science, it's just great comfort food recipes waiting to happen!

Creamy Dreamy Baked Manicotti Recipe Card

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 (30-32) jumbo manicotti shells
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese (425g)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of grated nutmeg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100g)

Instructions:

• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, herbs, spices, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Cook manicotti shells according to package directions, until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
• Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture.
• Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in the dish. Cover with the remaining tomato sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
• Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-25g

Fiber:3-5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: Let’s Gather Our Supplies

First, the core elements. We're talking about the stuff that makes this dish sing. It is time for Italian pasta recipes.

• For that luscious Tomato Sauce:
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Good quality makes a difference!
  • Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. Look for a firm onion with no soft spots.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
  • Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). San Marzano tomatoes are chef's kiss .
  • Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g). Adds depth.
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
  • Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a bit of kick).
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon (balances the acidity).
• Manicotti Filling Ingredients:
  • Manicotti shells: 1 (30-32) jumbo shells. I've used Barilla before, never had a problem.
  • Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
  • Ricotta cheese: 1 (15 ounce) container (425g). The star of the show! This is important to remember for the ricotta cheese recipes. Get whole milk for a richer manicotti filling .
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated (about 50g). Freshly grated is ideal.
  • Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
  • Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon .
  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch of grated nutmeg.
• For final assembly:
  • Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup shredded (about 100g). Use low-moisture.

Seasoning Notes: Adding the Magic

Seasoning can make or break a dish. This is our secret Dinner Ideas Italian style.

• The Italian Trinity: Oregano, basil, and garlic. These are your trusty flavour amigos.
• Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) adds a subtle heat. Sugar balances the tomato sauce recipe Italian .
• Quick Subs: No fresh parsley? Dried will do in a pinch, use about half the amount.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

No need for fancy gadgets, honestly. This is easy Italian dinners at its best.

• The Must-Haves: Large saucepan, 9x13 inch baking dish, mixing bowl.
• Filling Aid: Spoon or piping bag (for filling the manicotti). Honestly, a spoon works just fine! I've used a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off, it's quick and easy.
• Household Alternatives: Don't have a baking dish? A sturdy casserole dish will do.

Creamy Dreamy Baked Manicotti: Italian Comfort Food at Its Finest!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good italian comfort food recipe ? and baked manicotti ? oh my gosh! it's so satisfying.

This recipe is all about that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from a home-cooked meal. it's perfect for sunday dinner, or any night you need a little extra love.

Did you know that manicotti originated in italy, a simple peasant dish from the campania region? this is the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and makes everyone happy.

Ready to get started?

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get organised. essential mise en place is key here. chop your onion, mince your garlic, grate your cheese and measure out your spices.

It sounds boring, but it honestly makes the whole process smoother.

Time-saving organization tips : Measure out all your spices into a small bowl beforehand. This way you can dump them all in at once and keep the cooking process smooth.

Baked Manicotti: Let's Get Cooking!

Alright, here's the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps, and you'll be digging into dinner ideas Italian style in no time.

1. Sauce it up: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until softened. Add 28 ounces crushed tomatoes , 15 ounces tomato sauce , 1 teaspoon oregano , 1/2 teaspoon basil , 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a kick!), 1/2 teaspoon salt , 1/4 teaspoon black pepper , and 1 tablespoon sugar . Simmer for at least 20 minutes , stirring occasionally.
2. Shell Out : Cook 30-32 jumbo manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente . Don't overcook them, you know? They need to hold their shape. Drain well.
3. Ricotta Time : In a bowl, mix 15 ounces ricotta cheese , 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese , 1 beaten egg , 1/4 cup chopped parsley , 1/4 teaspoon salt , 1/8 teaspoon black pepper , and a pinch of nutmeg.
4. Fill 'em up! : Carefully fill each shell with the manicotti filling (ricotta mixture) using a spoon or piping bag.
5. Assemble and Bake : Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish . Arrange the filled shells in the dish. Cover with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese .
6. Bake time! : Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 40 minutes , until bubbly and golden.
7. Rest : Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the manicotti hold its shape .

Pro Tips and Tricks from My Kitchen

Honestly, I’ve made my share of sausage manicotti recipe in my life, and here’s what I've learned.

• Don't drown the pasta. Seriously, al dente is key. Soggy pasta is nobody's friend.
• Speaking of filling, chilling the filling for about 15 minutes in the fridge makes it so much easier to work with. Trust me on this one!
• Common mistakes to avoid: One is not to drain the ricotta cheese! If you leave it sitting in a strainer, it can remove excess water and improve the consistency.

This creamy dreamy baked manicotti, a classic example of italian pasta recipes , is something that once you taste, will make you crave it over and over! its rich flavors and simple preparation make it the perfect choice for any easy italian dinners night.

If you are searching for comfort food recipes , you are in the right place! give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Alright, let's talk about the nitty-gritty details, shall we? After all, it's the little things that can elevate your baked manicotti from "meh" to "magnifico"! And honestly, who wants a "meh" manicotti?

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Manicotti Game

These are the things I wish someone had told me the first time I made this. You know? Saves you from potential culinary disasters.

Serving Suggestions: From Pan to Plate with Pizzazz

Okay, so you've got this beautiful, bubbly baked manicotti . time to make it look as good as it tastes! for plating, think simple elegance.

A sprig of fresh basil on top? chef's kiss!

For side dishes, garlic bread is a must for soaking up that delicious tomato sauce recipe italian . a simple caesar salad provides a nice contrast too.

Feeling fancy? pair it with a glass of chianti. a proper dinner ideas italian , right?

Storage Tips: Making the Good Times Last

Leftover baked manicotti ? Lucky you! It's even better the next day, honestly.

Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. wanna freeze it? wrap individual portions tightly in foil, then pop 'em in a freezer bag.

Reheating? oven is best ( 350° f/ 175° c until heated through), but microwave works in a pinch.

Variations: Tweak It 'Til You Make It

This Manicotti Filling is super adaptable. Wanna make it healthier? Use part-skim ricotta. Boom! A lighter version.

For a festive twist, swap out some of the ricotta for roasted butternut squash in the fall. a seasonal ingredient swaps can add a fantastic twist.

Meat eaters can easily turn this into a manicotti recipe sausage or even a sausage manicotti recipe by adding crumbled and browned italian sausage to the ricotta filling.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body (and Soul!)

Alright, let's keep it real. This comfort food recipes is indulgence. It has a good balance of carbs, protein, and fats.

Ricotta cheese recipes are a good source of calcium and protein. But remember, moderation is key! This dish can be part of a balanced diet.

So, there you have it! your easy italian dinners is ready to be served, remember, cooking should be fun. enjoy this italian pasta recipes classic and make it your own! i'm betting you will ace it.