Best 5 Manicotti With White Cream Sauce Recipes

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Indulge in the culinary delight of manicotti, a classic Italian dish that combines tender pasta shells, a luscious white cream sauce, and a flavorful filling. This comprehensive article offers a collection of manicotti recipes that cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. From the traditional baked manicotti with a rich tomato sauce to the lighter version featuring a creamy spinach filling, each recipe promises an explosion of flavors. For those seeking a vegetarian option, the zucchini and ricotta-stuffed manicotti is a delightful choice. And if you're short on time, the easy manicotti with store-bought sauce provides a convenient yet equally satisfying meal. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this versatile dish that's perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BEEF-FILLED CANNELLONI (MANICOTTI) IN BéCHAMEL SAUCE



Beef-Filled Cannelloni (Manicotti) in Béchamel Sauce image

Cannelloni (or manicotti, as it is known in the U.S.), pasta cylinders stuffed with either a meat or vegetable filling, are easy to make.

Provided by Kyle Phillips

Categories     Dinner     Entree     Pasta

Time 1h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound cannelloni shells
For the Filling:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for the pan)
1/2 small onion (peeled and minced)
2 ounces prosciutto (minced)
1 pound ground beef
1/2 bay leaf
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 pound plum tomatoes ( blanched , peeled, seeded, and chopped)
Fine sea salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup day-old bread (crust removed, crumbled)
1 cup milk
1 egg (lightly beaten)
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (plus more for sprinkling top)
2 cups besciamella sauce

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Cook the dried pasta tubes according to the directions for al dente . Remove the pasta from the water with a slotted spoon and lay the pieces on a damp kitchen cloth; don't let them touch to avoid sticking. Set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a medium pot and sauté the onion and the prosciutto until the onion is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the beef and the bay leaf and cook, stirring, until the meat has browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour and the tomatoes and season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to a simmer , cover, and cook for 45 minutes.
  • Remove filling from the heat once it has finished simmering and discard the bay leaf.
  • Soak the bread in the milk for about 10 minutes until the bread is softened, then squeeze to drain off the excess liquid (the bread should be wet but not dripping).
  • Combine the soaked bread, egg, and grated cheese in a bowl; then combine with the meat mixture, stirring until everything is uniform.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 F. Butter a baking pan large enough to hold all of the cannelloni snugly.
  • Use a spoon to stuff each tube of pasta with some of the meat filling. Place the filled cannelloni closely together in the prepared pan.
  • Pour the béchamel over the cannelloni, sprinkle with a little more grated Parmigiano, and dot it with a little more butter.
  • Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479 kcal, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 121 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Sodium 641 mg, Sugar 6 g, Fat 27 g, ServingSize 6 to 8 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

SPINACH MANICOTTI IN CREAMY TOMATO SAUCE



Spinach Manicotti in Creamy Tomato Sauce image

Our fuss-free method for stuffing pasta shells turns this classic Italian dish into a weeknight option.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 manicotti shells (from an 8-ounce package)
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup finely grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 package (10 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups prepared marinara sauce
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain well and arrange in a single layer on an oiled rimmed baking sheet. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and lemon zest. Stir in spinach and season filling to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer filling to a large zip-top plastic bag. Twist and squeeze bag so filling is in one corner. With scissors, snip a 3/4-inch opening in corner. Pipe filling into both ends of each pasta shell. Arrange stuffed shells in an 8-inch square glass baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together marinara sauce, oregano, and cream. Pour sauce evenly over stuffed shells and top with 1/2 cup Parmesan. Bake until sauce in center of dish is bubbling and Parmesan is browned in spots, about 30 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 439 g, Fat 20 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 26 g

FOUR CHEESE MANICOTTI IN CREAM SAUCE



Four Cheese Manicotti in Cream Sauce image

A delicious alternative to a redsauced-covered manicotti. This is delicious served with a crisp green salad and fresh bread.

Provided by Charmie777

Categories     Manicotti

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 large onion, diced fine (or shredded)
1 lb mushroom, sliced (optional)
1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup flour
4 cups milk
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, grated
salt and pepper
1 lb ricotta cheese
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced
1/2 cup romano cheese, grated
1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 eggs
1 dash nutmeg

Steps:

  • Saute onion and mushrooms (if using) in butter 5 minutes; stir in flour.
  • Gradually stir in milk; stir over low heat until sauce bubbles and thickens.
  • Stir in 1 cup Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
  • Cook manicotti shells according to package directions; drain and cover with cold water.
  • Mix together ricotta, mozzarella, Romano and remaining Parmesan cheese; add walnuts, parsley and eggs.
  • Season to taste with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
  • Drain manicotti shells; stuff with cheese mixture.
  • Place shells side by side in a greased shallow baking pan; spoon sauce over all.
  • Bake in preheated 400F oven 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 680.3, Fat 50.1, SaturatedFat 28.9, Cholesterol 239.5, Sodium 902.9, Carbohydrate 22.9, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 2, Protein 35.4

MANICOTTI



Manicotti image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound fresh spinach, tough stems removed, or a 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 manicotti shells
3 cups Marinara Sauce, recipe follows
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (about 1 pound)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a mixture of half Pecorino and Parmesan
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, diced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 medium onion, diced (about 3 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices (3 1/2 cups), roughly chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • If using fresh spinach, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, and season generously with salt. Fill a medium bowl with ice water and season with salt. Boil the spinach until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, (keep the water in the pot boiling), and immediately plunge the spinach into the ice water. Drain and squeeze the excess water from the spinach, and finely chop. Alternatively, if using thawed spinach, simply squeeze, and finely chop. Set aside.
  • In the same large pot of boiling water, cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and pat dry.
  • Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Lightly beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Add the spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and 1/3 cup of the grated cheese and mix until evenly combined. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, the nutmeg and pepper. Spoon the cheese mixture into the manicotti shells and line them up in the baking dish. Cover with the remaining 2 cups sauce. Scatter the remaining 2/3 cup grated cheese on top and dot with the butter.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and season with pepper to taste. Use right away, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Yield: 3 1/2 cups
  • Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

MANICOTTI ALLA ROMANA



Manicotti Alla Romana image

This rich meat, spinach and cheese filled manicotti dish is covered with white and red sauces. I offer this on the catering menu at my catering company and it is the most popular for casual dinner parties. It's a bit of work but well worth the effort.

Provided by markblau

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h50m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
salt to taste
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (12 ounce) package manicotti shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
2 cups half-and-half
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onions until translucent. Saute garlic for 1 minute and stir in ground beef. Cook until well browned and crumbled. Season with salt and set aside to cool.
  • Cook spinach according to package directions. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and parboil for half of the time recommended on the package. Drain and cover with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent the shells from cracking.
  • To the ground beef mixture add the cooked spinach and ricotta cheese. When the mixture is cool, add the beaten eggs. Spread 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Gently drain the manicotti shells and carefully stuff each one with the meat and cheese mixture; place shells in prepared dish. Lightly cover the dish with plastic wrap or a clean, damp towel to prevent shells from cracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Prepare the white sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and chicken bouillon. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble. Stir in half and half and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Pour or ladle the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
  • Stir the basil into the remaining spaghetti sauce. Carefully pour or ladle spaghetti sauce over the white sauce, trying to layer the sauces without mixing.
  • Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 611.7 calories, Carbohydrate 58.7 g, Cholesterol 134.2 mg, Fat 30.3 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 27.6 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 991.6 mg, Sugar 12.7 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This will give your manicotti the best flavor and texture.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Make sure the sauce is hot before you fill the manicotti. This will help to prevent the cheese from curdling.
  • Be careful not to overstuff the manicotti. They should be filled, but not so tightly that they burst open.
  • Bake the manicotti until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Conclusion:

Manicotti with white cream sauce is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It is also relatively easy to make, so it is a great choice for home cooks of all skill levels. With a little planning and preparation, you can make a delicious manicotti dish that your family and friends will love.

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