Best 11 Manicotti Shells Recipes

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**Manicotti Shells: A Culinary Journey Through Italian Delicacies**

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Italy with our comprehensive guide to manicotti shells. Discover the art of crafting these delectable pasta tubes, filled with a symphony of savory fillings and smothered in rich, flavorful sauces. From classic ricotta and spinach to unique variations like butternut squash and sun-dried tomato, our recipes cater to every palate. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these culinary masterpieces, perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight meal.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

RICOTTA CHEESE STUFFING FOR JUMBO SHELLS AND MANICOTTI



Ricotta Cheese Stuffing for Jumbo Shells and Manicotti image

Provided by Craig Claiborne

Categories     dinner, easy, quick

Time 5m

Yield About 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups (1 pound) ricotta cheese
1/2 cup finely diced Mozzarella cheese
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup finely chopped prosciutto
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and use to stuff pasta.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 202, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 3 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 363 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams

FRESH MANICOTTI SHELLS



Fresh Manicotti Shells image

A quick batter for fresh manicotti shells that taste MUCH better than dried pasta. Impress your family and friends with very little effort!

Provided by MNLisaB

Categories     Manicotti

Time 20m

Yield 7-9 shells

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
oil, for pan

Steps:

  • Stir milk gradually with flour, until smooth.
  • Add, stirring constantly, the beaten egg, to which the salt has been added.
  • For each shell/crepe, brush a six inch teflon coated fry pan with oil or butter.
  • Pour 1/4 cup of the batter in the bottom of pan, tilting back and forth so it spreads evenly.
  • Cook slowly until just set, do not brown.
  • When set on one side, turn over and let other side set.
  • Slide off pan and onto plate to cool slightly.
  • Repeat until all of the batter is used.
  • Place 2 TBS of your cheese filling into the center of the crepe/shell, bringing sides over so they overlap to hold filling inches.
  • Arrange side by side in baking pan with your favorite sauce, topped with shredded cheese.
  • Bake at 400* for about 20 minutes.

FRESH-MADE MANICOTTI OR CANNELLONI CREPES SHELLS



Fresh-Made Manicotti or Cannelloni Crepes Shells image

This is really a crepe and not a shell, to be used in your favorite manicotti or cannelloni recipes. These are tender, and in my opinion the flavor is nicer than store-bought. The batter can be flavored by the addition of dried basil or oregano, or use your imagination. Simply place the filling in the center of each crepe vertically, then bring each side towards the center, placing seam-side down in your baking dish. Voila! You have a filled manicotti with none of the time and mess associated with trying to stuff a store-bought shell. I find this method alot more fun ! They will expand during baking so allow plenty of room in your baking dish.

Provided by FlemishMinx

Categories     Manicotti

Time 15m

Yield 9 crepes

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 beaten egg
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, blending and stirring until you have a smooth batter.
  • Place a small 13 cm (or 6 inch) dry non-stick skillet over moderate heat.
  • Ladle out 1/4 cup batter into the heated pan, and swirl to cover the bottom.
  • The crepe should set almost instantly.
  • As soon as the edges begin to dry and pull away from the pan, remove the crepe (this can be done with the fingers) and turn it over allowing the other side to cook quickly.
  • This should only take seconds.
  • See description above for filling your crepe.

SUPER EASY SPINACH & MUSHROOM MANICOTTI(OR SHELLS)



Super Easy Spinach & Mushroom Manicotti(or shells) image

This dish is so easy and delicious for a weeknight! I make it ALL the time for my boyfriend and I. The leftovers are fabulous.

Provided by Ashley Burnam

Categories     Other Main Dishes

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 15

FILLING
1 pt part skim ricotta cheese
1 c italian blend cheese(mozzarella, parmesan, provalone)
1/2 Tbsp garlic powder and onion powder
1 large handful fresh baby spinach, chopped and stems removed
1 Tbsp italian seasoning or marjoram
1 tsp each: salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
1/4 c milk, nonfat, dry
YOU'LL ALSO NEED...
1 box manicotti noodles, cooked al dente
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 jar(s) your favorite spaghetti sauce
8-10 baby portabello mushrooms
1 tsp each: oregano, basil, pepper, onion powder
1 medium white or yellow onion, chopped

Steps:

  • 1. Start by dumping the ricotta cheese, milk, and all seasonings into a large bowl and stir.
  • 2. Add the spinach and the Italian blend cheese, mix again. Cover and set in the fridge while you cook the noodles. While the noodles cook, I slice and saute the mushrooms and onion in 2 tbsp of butter and salt, pepper and garlic until very soft.
  • 3. After the noodles are al dente, drain them and toss with the olive oil to prevent them sticking to each other.While the noodles cook, add the seasonings and tomatoes to the sauce and stir.
  • 4. 1 at a time, rip or cut 1 side of each manicotti noodle to open it flat. Drop a large spoonful of the mix and roll it back up.
  • 5. Place them into a glass baking dish(13x9) with a couple spoonfuls of sauce on the bottom. make sure the cut side of the noodle is on the bottom or they'll open.
  • 6. After all have been made, put a spoonful of sauce on each roll and cover the top with the rest of the Italian blend cheese.
  • 7. Bake covered on 350 degrees for 20 minutes, then remove foil and cook for another 10-20 minutes or until the pan is bubbly and the cheese starts to brown.

CHEESE STUFFED MANICOTTI (UNCOOKED SHELLS)



Cheese Stuffed Manicotti (Uncooked Shells) image

Make and share this Cheese Stuffed Manicotti (Uncooked Shells) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Impera_Magna

Categories     Manicotti

Time 2h20m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons snipped parsley
2 (32 ounce) cans whole tomatoes (cut up)
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 lb ricotta cheese
1/4 lb grated mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon snipped parsley
3 teaspoons parmesan cheese (grated)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
additional parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan.
  • Saute onion and garlic in oil until onion is transparent.
  • Add cut up tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and basil.
  • Simmer about 20 minutes.
  • Filling: Mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, sugar, and egg together.
  • Assemble: Fill uncooked manicotti shells with cheese mixture.
  • Place in a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish; cover completely with sauce.
  • Cover and bake at 400°F for about 1 1/4 hours or until pasta is tender.
  • Uncover and sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese and bake 15 minutes longer.
  • Let sit about 15 minutes before serving.

MANICOTTI SHELLS (HOMEMADE)



Manicotti Shells (Homemade) image

This is my Grandmother Lucia's recipe and then my Mom. It's 100 years old.

Provided by Rose Rauhauser

Categories     Pasta

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 extra large eggs
1 c flour
1 c water
pinch of salt
RICOTTA FILLING
2 c ricotta cheese
pinch of salt
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 1/2 c shredded mozzerella
1/2 c grated parmagiano/regiano cheese
1 extra large egg

Steps:

  • 1. Mix all the ingredients for the manicotti shells, very thoroughly until no lumps exist. Lightly grease an 8 inch round pan with very little butter (just to lightly coat) With a small ladle, (like making pancakes) ladle a small amount enough to make a crepe on very low heat, one minute or two then carefully flip to the other side, a few seconds and remove to wax paper to cool. Then do each one that way, wax paper or parchment in the middle of each until batter is done. Mix your ricotta filling and take your manicotti and put the filling down the middle. Roll each end toward the middle and put toothpicks in the middle to hold each. Put sauce on top, bake at 325 for 1 hour. Let rest 15 to 30 minutes. Serve
  • 2. If you wish to make a larger amount of shells, send me a message and I will give you the increased amounts in the recipe. Thanks

LASAGNA-STUFFED MANICOTTI SHELLS



Lasagna-Stuffed Manicotti Shells image

Manicotti shells are stuffed with Italian sausage, beef, and cheese and then breaded and fried to perfect bite-sized snacks! These little fried lasagna bites are cheesy balls infused with all the earthy flavors of fresh rosemary, thyme, and, of course, lots of basil!

Provided by Emi Goya

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Pasta Appetizer Recipes

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 22

14 manicotti shells, or more as desired
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ pound sweet Italian sausage
½ pound ground beef
1 white onion
½ cup basil leaves
2 sprigs rosemary
2 tablespoons thyme
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce, divided
¼ cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary, or to taste
1 pinch thyme, or to taste
1 bunch chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cups cottage cheese, strained
2 quarts vegetable oil for frying
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups plain bread crumbs
3 eggs, beaten

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in manicotti and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and place on a baking sheet to cool. Place in freezer until hardened, about 5 minutes.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage, beef, and onion; saute 3 minutes. Add basil, rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook until meat is browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in 1/2 can tomato sauce and cook until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside to cool.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat for the sauce. Add onion and saute 1 minute. Add remaining tomato sauce, rosemary, and thyme. Stir in basil and red pepper flakes.
  • Fold mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese into the cooled meat mixture. Stuff each manicotti shell with meat mixture and place back onto the baking sheet. Place filled shells in the freezer to firm up, about 5 minutes. Slice shells into bite-sized pieces.
  • Heat 2 quarts vegetable oil in a saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place flour, bread crumbs, and beaten eggs each in a separate bowl. Dredge manicotti slices in flour, then eggs, and then bread crumbs and place on the baking sheet.
  • Fry slices in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve with the spicy tomato dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 974.4 calories, Carbohydrate 77.5 g, Cholesterol 151.7 mg, Fat 51.4 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 51.1 g, SaturatedFat 16.4 g, Sodium 1580.8 mg, Sugar 7.2 g

MANICOTTI SHELLS FILLED WITH CHEESE AND SMOKED SALMON BITS



Manicotti Shells Filled With Cheese and Smoked Salmon Bits image

Make and share this Manicotti Shells Filled With Cheese and Smoked Salmon Bits recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Redsie

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 manicotti
1 1/2 cups low-fat ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 1/2 ounces chopped smoked salmon
1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
2 tablespoons 2% low-fat milk
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups prepared tomato sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350F and spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook pasta in boiling water according to package instructions or until firm to the bite. Drain, cover and set aside.
  • In bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salmon, green onions, dill, milk and Parmesan cheese, mix until smooth. Fill pasta shells.
  • Pour half tomato sauce in bottom of large baking dish. Place pasta shells over sauce and pour other half tomato sauce over pasta.
  • Cover and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.

NONNA'S HOME MADE MANICOTTI SHELLS



NONNA'S HOME MADE MANICOTTI SHELLS image

Categories     Egg

Yield about 15

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup water
3/4 cup whole milk
4 eggs
1/4t salt
1T melted butter
1/2-1 Cup flour.

Steps:

  • Mix together until consistancy of heavy cream. Adjust flour accordingly. On med heat in non-stick crepe pan, ladle about 1/8-1/4 cup (depending on pan size)mixture and swirl in pan until bottom covered. Cook until shiny, about 30 seconds. Flip and cook other side 15 seconds or so. Slide cooked shell onto parchment paper covered surface and cool. At this point you can fill and cook, refrigerate until next day and fill and cook,or freeze shells for later use.

MANICOTTI SHELLS



Manicotti Shells image

Fill with your favorite filling, fold over sides and bake with sauce and cheese.

Provided by DianeW

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups water
6 eggs
¼ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Mix together: flour, water, eggs and salt to make a thin, smooth batter. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto lightly greased griddle. Cook until top forms film.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.8 calories, Carbohydrate 48.3 g, Cholesterol 279 mg, Fat 8.1 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 15.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 251.6 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

STUFFED SHELLS OR MANICOTTI



Stuffed Shells or Manicotti image

Make and share this Stuffed Shells or Manicotti recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Karen..

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 -16 ounces jumbo pasta shells or 12 -16 ounces manicotti
2 -3 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
3 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook shells according to package directions. Mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Stuff shells or manicotti with cheese mixture and arrange in a 13" x 9" baking dish coated with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
  • Spoon marinara sauce over each shell and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350°F.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1144.5, Fat 58.4, SaturatedFat 33.4, Cholesterol 247.6, Sodium 2262.7, Carbohydrate 86.9, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 14.5, Protein 66

Tips for Making the Best Manicotti Shells:

  • Choose the Right Shells: Select large manicotti shells that can hold a generous amount of filling. Ensure they are cooked al dente to maintain their shape during baking.
  • Prepare a Flavorful Filling: Experiment with various fillings to suit your taste. Popular options include ricotta cheese, spinach, sausage, and vegetables. Season the filling well to enhance its flavor.
  • Stuff the Shells Carefully: Use a piping bag or a spoon to carefully stuff the filling into the manicotti shells. Avoid overstuffing, as it can cause the shells to burst during baking.
  • Use a Robust Sauce: Choose a flavorful sauce that complements the filling, such as a tomato sauce, béchamel sauce, or a combination of both. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the manicotti shells evenly.
  • Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to the desired temperature before baking the manicotti. Bake them until the shells are tender and the sauce is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion:

Manicotti is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its tender pasta shells, flavorful filling, and rich sauce, it's a perfect choice for special occasions or everyday meals. Experiment with different fillings and sauces to create a unique dish that suits your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a classic ricotta and spinach filling or a more creative combination, manicotti is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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