Best 12 Baked Manicotti Recipes

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Baked manicotti is a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of pasta, cheese, and a delicious sauce. With its tender pasta shells stuffed with a ricotta and spinach filling, smothered in a rich tomato sauce, and finished with a melted cheese topping, this dish is a true culinary delight. This article presents two variations of this beloved dish: the traditional Baked Manicotti and a healthier Veggie-Packed Baked Manicotti. Both recipes offer step-by-step instructions to guide you in creating this flavorful and comforting meal.

The traditional Baked Manicotti starts with large manicotti pasta shells that are stuffed with a mixture of ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan and Asiago cheeses, spinach, herbs, garlic, and seasonings. These stuffed shells are then placed in a baking dish, covered with a flavorful tomato sauce, and topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. The Veggie-Packed Baked Manicotti, on the other hand, takes a healthier approach by incorporating a variety of vegetables into the filling. Finely chopped zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach are added to the ricotta mixture, creating a nutrient-rich and colorful filling. This vegetarian version also uses a lighter tomato sauce made with vegetable broth and fresh herbs. Both recipes conclude with a final sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese before baking in the oven until golden brown and bubbling.

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

EASY BAKED MANICOTTI



Easy Baked Manicotti image

Make and share this Easy Baked Manicotti recipe from Food.com.

Provided by SouthernBell2627

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups spaghetti sauce
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup basil pesto (DiGiorno) (optional)
12 manicotti, cooked, rinsed in cold water

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread 3/4 cup of the spaghetti sauce on bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish. Mix egg, cheeses, and pesto sauce until well blended. Spoon cheese mixture into large resealable plastic bag. Using scissors, cut off small hole from one of the bottom corners of bag.
  • Cook manicotti shells for half of the time on the box. This will keep them firm enough to handle and not fall apart when stuffing. The additional cook time in the oven will cook them the rest of the way. After you remove the partially cooked manicotti from the stove, transfer them into a container of cold water. This will prevent them from continuing to cook
  • Fill manicotti shells, 1 at a time, squeezing cheese mixture into both sides of each shell. Place manicotti over sauce in dish; pour remaining 1 1/4 cups spaghetti sauce over manicotti. Cover with foil.
  • Bake 40 minutes or until heat through.

BAKED MANICOTTI WITH MEAT SAUCE



Baked Manicotti With Meat Sauce image

I think this originally came in Women's Day magazine, back when they had a skinny 6 or 8 page cookbook, in a strip, in the center of the magazine. I started making this as a newly wed, and it is still a family favorite. I usually double the recipe and freeze at least 1/2 of the stuffed noodles, since that is the most time consuming part. Serve with a sald and garlic bread, and a good bottle of red wine !

Provided by NurseJaney

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h45m

Yield 16 shells, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 lbs ricotta cheese
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 eggs, well beaten
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup almonds, slivered
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, grated
1 lb mild Italian sausage
16 manicotti, cooked
1 garlic clove, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
32 ounces spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • Make filling by mixing first 8ingredients and 1 cup parmesan cheese.
  • Blend thoroughly.
  • Cook meat with garlic and onions
  • Sprinkle with salt and drain grease.
  • Stuff cooked noodles (gently) with filling.
  • Butter 12x15 baking dish.
  • Spoon tomato sauce in bottom of dish to cover.
  • Place stuffed shells in dish to completely fill.
  • Sprinkle meat over and around shells.
  • Spoon tomato sauce over shells generously.
  • Sprinke with 1/2 cup parmesan.
  • Cover with foil.
  • Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

BAKED MANICOTTI WITH CHEESE FILLING



Baked Manicotti With Cheese Filling image

I have been making this for 25 years. It is time-consuming but worth it, and the only way a true Italian should eat manicotti (as homemade crepes, not pasta shells).

Provided by JackieOhNo

Categories     Cheese

Time 2h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 22

1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups onions, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can Italian tomatoes, undrained
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon oregano leaves, dried
1 teaspoon basil leaves, dried
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
6 eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, unsifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 lbs ricotta cheese
1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, diced
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Make sauce: In hot oil in 5-quart Dutch oven, saute onion and garlic 5 minutes. Mix in rest of sauce ingredients and 1-1/2 cups water, mashing tomatoes with fork. Bring to boiling, and reduce heat. Simmer mixture, covered and stirring occasionally, 1 hour.
  • Make Manicotti: In medium bowl, combine 6 eggs, the flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1-1/2 cups water; with electric mixer, beat just until smooth. Let stand 1/2 hour or longer. Slowly heat an 8-inch skillet. Pour in 3 tablespoons batter, rotating the skillet quickly to spread batter evenly over bottom.
  • Cook over medium heat until top is dry but bottom is not brown. Turn out on a wire rack to cool. Continue cooking until all of the batter is used. As the manicotti cool, stack them with waxed paper between them.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make Filling: In large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, 1/3 cup parmesan, the eggs, salt, pepper, and parsley; beat with wooden spoon to blend well. Spread about 1/4 cup filling down the center of each manicotti, and roll up.
  • Spoon 1-1/2 cups sauce into each of two 12-by-8-by-2-inch baking dishes. Place eight rolled manicotti seam side down, in single layer; top with five more. Cover with 1 cup sauce; sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, 1/2 hour, or until bubbly.
  • To Freeze: Line baking dish with large piece of foil; assemble as directed. Fold foil over to seal, and freeze in dish. When frozen, remove dish.
  • To serve: Unwrap; place in baking dish, and let stand 1 hour to thaw. Bake, uncovered, 1 hour in 350 degree oven.
  • *If not using a skillet with a non-stick surface, brush skillet lightly with butter for each manicotti.

BAKED MANICOTTI WITH SAUSAGE



Baked Manicotti With Sausage image

No filling manicotti recipe (very easy) You can use Barilla no-boil lasagna noodles for their delicate texture resembling fresh pasta. Note that Pasta Defino and Ronzoni brands contain only 12 no-boil noodles per package; the recipe requires 16 noodles. The manicotti can be prepared through step 5, covered with a sheet of parchment paper, wrapped in aluminum foil, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. (If frozen, thaw the manicotti in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.) To bake, remove the parchment, replace the aluminum foil, and increase baking time to 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

Provided by Lurdez

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h16m

Yield 16 Manicottis, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (in juice)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 lb hot Italian sausage or 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
3 medium garlic cloves (minced or pressed through garlic press, about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)
3/4 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
4 ounces grated parmesan cheese (about 2 cups)
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
16 no-boil lasagna noodles (see note above)

Steps:

  • For the Sauce: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Pulse 1 can tomatoes with their juice in food processor until coarsely chopped, 3 or 4 pulses. Transfer to bowl. Repeat with remaining can tomatoes.
  • Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to break sausage into 1/2-inch pieces, until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and pepper flakes (if using) to sausage, and cook until fragrant but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes. Stir in basil; adjust seasoning with salt.
  • For the cheese filling: Combine ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, salt, pepper, and herbs in medium bowl; set aside.
  • To assemble: Pour 1 inch boiling water into 13 by 9-inch broilersafe baking dish, then add noodles one at a time. Let noodles soak until pliable, about 5 minutes, separating noodles with tip of sharp knife to prevent sticking. Remove noodles from water and place in single layer on clean kitchen towels; discard water in baking dish and dry baking dish.
  • Spread bottom of baking dish evenly with 1 1/2 cups sauce. Using soup spoon, spread 1/4 cup cheese mixture evenly onto bottom three-quarters of each noodle (with short side facing you), leaving top quarter of noodle exposed. Roll into tube shape and arrange in baking dish seam side down. Top evenly with remaining sauce, making certain that pasta is completely covered.
  • Cover manicotti with aluminum foil. Bake until bubbling, about 40 minutes, then remove foil. Remove baking dish, adjust oven rack to uppermost position (about 6 inches from heating element), and heat broiler. Sprinkle manicotti evenly with remaining 1 cup Parmesan. Broil until cheese is spotty brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Cool 15 minutes, then serve.

CHICKEN BAKED RICOTTA MANICOTTI



Chicken Baked Ricotta Manicotti image

A baked pasta dish that will leave you craving more. Its cheesy thick and delicious. Sometimes I use light or fat free ricotta and cottage cheese then sub butter milk for the cream to make it less rich.

Provided by Juliansmommy

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb boneless skinless chicken
8 ounces manicotti
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (can use light)
1/2 cup cottage cheese (can use light)
1 cup parmesan-romano cheese mix
4 garlic cloves
2 -3 tablespoons garlic salt (and more to taste)
2 cups Italian cheese blend
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Cut chicken into small cubes.
  • Chop garlic very fine.
  • Cook chicken and garlic with olive oil and garlic salt. When done set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Boil water and cook manicotti according to box directions.
  • Mix ricotta,cottage cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan mix and salt to taste.
  • Add cooked chicken.
  • Take manicotti pasta and stuff with mixture.
  • Set in non-stick bake pan in rows (it should fill bottom of pan).
  • If there is any stuffing left over, layer it on top.
  • Pour heavy cream over until all is covered (do not have to use all of it). Then top with cheese and remaining parmesan mix cheese and bake for 25 minutes then raise heat to 375°F for 8-15 more minutes depending on how brown and bubbly you like the top.
  • Enjoy with garlic bread, salad or your favorite side items.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.5, Fat 19.3, SaturatedFat 10.7, Cholesterol 94.4, Sodium 309.6, Carbohydrate 23.9, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 1.3, Protein 23.5

BAKED MANICOTTI (BOLOGNESE RAGU)



Baked Manicotti (Bolognese Ragu) image

This filling is very flavorful and a sauce that's delicious, yet subtle enough to compliment the pasta without stealing the show. The recipe will allow for extra sauce in case you wish to serve non-stuffed pasta as well. Or it makes terrific leftovers.

Provided by - Momma Loon

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 manicotti

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 lbs part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
3 cloves garlic, pressed
3 whole eggs
1/4 cup prosciutto, diced
1 (8 ounce) package manicotti, 14 count
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated romano cheese or 1 cup parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onion, minced
1/2 cup celery, minced
1/2 cup carrot, minced
3/4 lb lean ground beef
3/4 lb ground pork
2 cups whole milk
2 cups dry white wine
2 (28 ounce) cans whole roma tomatoes, in juice
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • I suggest making the filling a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors of cheese, garlic and herbs to fully meld.
  • Beat the eggs and combine them with the Ricotta.
  • Fold in the grated cheese, basil, parsley and Prosciutto until all is well combined.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and keep in fridge until ready to use.
  • Using lasagna noodle (if packaged cook to al dente) add enough stuffing on one end and roll up jelly roll style.
  • Lay into baking pan that has been greased or coated with cooking spray.
  • I use a 9x14" pan which perfectly holds 12 manicotti: 8 down the center and two on each side.
  • Spoon the Ragu over the pasta until completely covered.
  • Bake in the oven, uncovered, for 35 minutes.
  • Remove and top with the mozzarella.
  • Return to the over for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to completely melt.
  • Let stand for about 5 minutes.
  • Serve with additional sauce on the side.
  • For the Bolognese Ragu (Italian Meat Sauce) You want to use a heavy pot or sauté pan for this, something that holds the heat well.
  • This will give you better control when you need to have the sauce just barely simmering.
  • Melt the butter in the sauté pan over medium heat.
  • Add the next 4 ingredients and sauté until the veggies are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef and pork.
  • Cook the meat while using the edge of the spoon to break up the meat into small pieces.
  • Just before the meat begins to brown add the milk.
  • Return the mixture to a slow boil and allow to reduce until the milk has mostly evaporated.
  • About 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Add the wine, return to a boil and allow the sauce to reduce until the wine is mostly evaporated, another 20 to 30 minutes.
  • While the sauce is reducing drain and chop the tomatoes, reserving the juice.
  • When the wine has mostly evaporated add the tomatoes, along with the reserved juice, and the red pepper.
  • Now you want to reduce the flame until the sauce is barely at a simmer- only a bubble or two at a time breaking the surface.
  • Maintain this simmer, stirring every 30 minutes or so, until the liquid is mostly evaporated.
  • This should take about 3 to 4 hours.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • The long, slow simmering gives the meat a melt-in-your mouth quality.
  • Don't be daunted by the cooking time, as it only requires you be around to give it a stir from time-to-time.

HOMEMADE BAKED MANICOTTI



Homemade Baked Manicotti image

These light velvety crepes melt in your mouth with just the right amount of cheese and that hint of mint which makes them mamma mia good!

Provided by Mangialicious

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

9 eggs, at room temperature
2 ¼ cups water
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter, softened, or as needed
3 eggs
3 (16 ounce) containers ricotta cheese
1 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped
2 teaspoons salt
ground black pepper
2 (32 ounce) jars pasta sauce, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Combine 9 eggs, water, and all-purpose flour in a large bowl. Blend with an electric mixer until batter is completely smooth. Let batter rest for 30 minutes.
  • Heat an 8-inch skillet over medium-high heat; brush with some butter. Pour 2 1/2 tablespoons of the batter into the pan, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook until the top is dry to the touch and bottom is still pale, about 30 seconds. Transfer crepe to a plate. Repeat with remaining batter.
  • Whisk 3 eggs in a large bowl. Stir in ricotta cheese. Fold in mint, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place 1/3 cup of the ricotta mixture on one end of a crepe. Roll over once and pull the other end up over the top. Repeat with remaining ricotta mixture and crepes.
  • Cover the bottom of a large baking dish with some pasta sauce. Arrange filled crepes on top. Cover filled crepes with a little more sauce. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until sauce is bubbly, about 55 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 544.2 calories, Carbohydrate 54 g, Cholesterol 272 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 29.3 g, SaturatedFat 10.6 g, Sodium 1464.4 mg, Sugar 16.8 g

BAKED MANICOTTI



Baked Manicotti image

Source: Cook's Illustrated We prefer Barilla no-boil lasagna noodles for their delicate texture resembling fresh pasta. Note that Pasta Defino and Ronzoni brands contain only 12 no-boil noodles per package; the recipe requires 16 noodles. The manicotti can be prepared through step 5, covered with a sheet of parchment paper, wrapped in aluminum foil, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. (If frozen, thaw the manicotti in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.) To bake, remove the parchment, replace the aluminum foil, and increase baking time to 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

Provided by Brookelynne26

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (in juice)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)
table salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
4 ounces grated parmesan cheese (about 2 cups)
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry, and chopped fine
table salt & fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 pinch ground nutmeg
16 no-boil lasagna noodles (see note above)

Steps:

  • For the sauce Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Pulse 1 can tomatoes with their juice in food processor until coarsely chopped, 3 or 4 pulses. Transfer to bowl. Repeat with remaining can tomatoes.
  • Heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes (if using) in large saucepan over medium heat until fragrant but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes. Stir in basil; adjust seasoning with salt.
  • For the filling: Combine ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, spinach, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, basil, and nutmeg in medium bowl; set aside.
  • To assemble: Pour 1 inch boiling water into 13 by 9-inch broilersafe baking dish, then add noodles one at a time. Let noodles soak until pliable, about 5 minutes, separating noodles with tip of sharp knife to prevent sticking. Remove noodles from water and place in single layer on clean kitchen towels; discard water in baking dish and dry baking dish.
  • Spread bottom of baking dish evenly with 1 1/2 cups sauce. Using soupspoon, spread generous 1/4 cup cheese-spinach mixture evenly onto bottom three-quarters of each noodle (with short side facing you), leaving top quarter of noodle exposed. Roll into tube shape and arrange in baking dish seam side down. Top evenly with remaining sauce, making certain that pasta is completely covered.
  • Cover manicotti with aluminum foil. Bake until bubbling, about 40 minutes, then remove foil. Remove baking dish, adjust oven rack to uppermost position (about 6 inches from heating element), and heat broiler. Sprinkle manicotti evenly with remaining 1 cup Parmesan. Broil until cheese is spotty brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Cool 15 minutes, then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 386.4, Fat 22.9, SaturatedFat 11.7, Cholesterol 116.3, Sodium 984.5, Carbohydrate 20.5, Fiber 4, Sugar 8.5, Protein 26.9

BAKED MANICOTTI WITH PROSCIUTTO



Baked Manicotti With Prosciutto image

This recipe is from America's Test Kitchen on PBS. Their introduction: "The test kitchen prefers part-skim ricotta for manicotti, but whole or fat-free ricotta can also be used. We also prefer Barilla no-boil noodles for their delicate texture resembling fresh pasta. Note that Pasta Defino and Ronzoni brands contain only 12 no-boil noodles per package; the recipe requires 16 noodles."

Provided by SweetPeaNC

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h45m

Yield 16 manicotti, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (in juice)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through garlic press
1/4-1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 cups ricotta cheese (see note above)
4 ounces grated parmesan cheese (about 2 cups)
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
16 no-boil lasagna noodles (see note above)
16 slices thinly sliced prosciutto

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Sauce: Coarsely chop tomatoes in a blender or food processor to make 1/4 inch chunks. You may have to do this in several batches to make the pieces relatively uniform.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the oil, garlic, and pepper flakes in large saucepan over medium heat until garlic is just barely starting to brown (1-2 minutes). Add tomatoes and salt; cook until sauce thickens slightly (about 15 minutes). Add basil and salt.
  • Filling: Combine ricotta, 1 cup parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, salt, pepper, and herbs. Set aside.
  • Assembly: Cook noodles until just pliable. Place in single layer on clean kitchen towels. Pour about 1 1/2 cups of sauce in the bottom of 9" x 13" baking dish; spread evenly. Place 1 slice of prosciutto on each noodle. Spread 1/4 cup cheese mixture onto bottom 3/4 of each noodle on top of prosciutto, leaving top 1/4 of noodle uncovered. Starting from the end with cheese, roll into the noodle into a tube shape and arrange in baking dish seam side down. Top evenly with remaining sauce, covering each noodle completely.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake on the middle rack until the sauce bubbles (about 40 minutes).
  • Remove manicotti from the oven and adjust the oven rack to the highest position. It should be about 6 inches from the heating element. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup parmesan cheese evenly over the manicotti. Do not replace the foil. Broil until cheese starts to brown. Cool 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the manicotti to set.
  • This recipe can be prepared through step 5, covered with a sheet of parchment paper, wrapped in aluminum foil, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. (If frozen, thaw the manicotti in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.) To bake, remove the parchment, replace the aluminum foil, and increase baking time to 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

ATK'S BAKED MANICOTTI



Atk's Baked Manicotti image

Recipe from America's Test Kitchen 2008 Season. I'm posting this to be able to find it again, as I haven't gotten the opportunity to try it yet. Uses Barilla no-boil lasagna noodles instead of manicotti noodles (you'll need two boxes).

Provided by M to the K

Categories     European

Time 1h10m

Yield 1 13x9 pan of manicotti, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (in juice)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)
salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
4 ounces grated parmesan cheese (about 2 cups)
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
16 no-boil lasagna noodles (see note above)

Steps:

  • For the Sauce: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Pulse 1 can tomatoes with their juice in food processor until coarsely chopped, 3 or 4 pulses. Transfer to bowl. Repeat with remaining can tomatoes.
  • Heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes (if using) in large saucepan over medium heat until fragrant but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes. Stir in basil; adjust seasoning with salt.
  • For the cheese filling: Combine ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, salt, pepper, and herbs in medium bowl; set aside.
  • To assemble: Pour 1 inch boiling water into 13 by 9-inch broilersafe baking dish, then add noodles one at a time. Let noodles soak until pliable, about 5 minutes, separating noodles with tip of sharp knife to prevent sticking. Remove noodles from water and place in single layer on clean kitchen towels; discard water in baking dish and dry baking dish.
  • Spread bottom of baking dish evenly with 1 1/2 cups sauce. Using a spoon, spread 1/4 cup cheese mixture evenly onto bottom three-quarters of each noodle (with short side facing you), leaving top quarter of noodle exposed. Roll into tube shape and arrange in baking dish seam side down. Top evenly with remaining sauce, making certain that pasta is completely covered.
  • Cover manicotti with aluminum foil. Bake until bubbling, about 40 minutes, then remove foil. Remove baking dish, adjust oven rack to uppermost position (about 6 inches from heating element), and heat broiler. Sprinkle manicotti evenly with remaining 1 cup Parmesan. Broil until cheese is spotty brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Cool 15 minutes, then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 501.3, Fat 30.2, SaturatedFat 15.5, Cholesterol 155.1, Sodium 1569.2, Carbohydrate 25.5, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 10.9, Protein 34

BAKED MANICOTTI



Baked Manicotti image

This is one of the first dishes I made my husband and it is one of his favorites! So simple and delicious!

Provided by Krissie Smith

Categories     Beef

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 box manicotti shells
1 lb ground chuck, cooked & drained
12 oz cottage cheese
2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 jar(s) spaghetti sauce, (i always use ragu traditional)

Steps:

  • 1. Prepare shells by boiling in water. You want them to be mostly done, but still firm enough to handle for stuffing. I usually have a couple that split open on me, but there are still enough to fill a 9x12 casserole dish.
  • 2. Brown your meat, draining grease off. Add to this the cottage cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • 3. Spray your casserole dish with PAM. Stuff the shells with meat filling mixture and place in dish side by side filling up the entire dish. Spread any leftover filling over the top of the filled shells and sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese on top.
  • 4. Bake at 350 for approximately 30-40 minutes.

BAKED MANICOTTI STUFFED WITH RAPINI



BAKED MANICOTTI STUFFED WITH RAPINI image

Categories     Pasta     Bake     Dinner

Number Of Ingredients 21

White Sauce (double if making 14 tubes)
1 Tbs butter
1 clove garlic minced
2 Tbs flour
2 Cups milk
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Rapini (enough filling for 14 tubes)
One bunch of rapini, bottom 1" stalks removed and washed
2 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup parsley minced (including stems)
1 tsp fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
1 cup ricotta
1 clove garlic
½ cup parmesan cheese
Pasta
7 Manicotti tubes to serve as a side 14 for a main dish
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (double if making 14 tubes)

Steps:

  • White Sauce Sauté the garlic in butter until fragrant over medium high heat, whisk in flour and cook 1-2 min. Gradually whisk in milk and continue stirring until thickened. Add salt, pepper to taste stir. Set aside. Rapini Pre cook rapini in boiling salted water for 5 minutes to remove bitter taste. Drain and plunge into ice water to set the color and cool drain again and roughly chop. In large skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in oil. Add rapini, parsley and thyme cook until all liquid is absorbed (10-15 minutes) stirring occasionally. Salt and pepper to taste. Place rapini, raw garlic clove, parmesan and ricotta cheese in a food processor and process until smooth. Note this makes enough for 14 tubes but is also good on baguette toasts as an appetizer and will keep in the fridge or freezer. Pasta Preheat oven to 350 Deg Cook tubes in boiling salted water for 5 minutes (I usually cook the pasta first then use the same water to cook the rapini). Remove and let cool. Using a pastry bag or simply a zip top bag with the corner cut, pipe the filling into the manicotti tubes. Place in greased ovenproof dish, top with white sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for 40 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.

Tips:

  • Use a large pot for boiling the manicotti shells to ensure that they have enough room to cook evenly.
  • Be careful not to overcook the manicotti shells, as they can become mushy. Cook them just until they are al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • To make the filling, use a combination of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, and garlic. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked spinach, sausage, or mushrooms.
  • To assemble the manicotti, spoon the filling into the cooked shells and then place them in a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and additional Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake the manicotti in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot.
  • Serve the manicotti immediately with additional marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Conclusion:

Baked manicotti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give baked manicotti a try. You won't be disappointed!

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