When it comes to comforting, creamy, and flavorful dishes, easy homemade manicotti tops the list! This delightful Italian recipe features tender pasta tubes stuffed with a luscious blend of cheeses and then smothered in rich marinara sauce, making it a family favorite. Who doesn’t love a hearty meal that’s also super easy to prepare? A fun fact: Manicotti, which means “sleeves” in Italian, gets its name from the shape of the pasta, designed to hold all the cheesy goodness within! This dish is not only simple to whip up but also perfect for satisfying picky eaters and impressing guests alike. If you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal that feels special, you’ll want to dive into this easy homemade manicotti recipe.
If you enjoy this cheesy delight, you might also love our classic lasagna, which offers a similar comforting experience packed with flavors. So grab your apron and get ready to surprise your family with this delightful dish that everyone will enjoy!
What is Easy Homemade Manicotti?
So, what exactly is “manicotti”? Imagine large pasta tubes that are just waiting to be filled with a delicious mixture of cheese. You might wonder, why not just call it “pasta tubes”? Well, it’s said that the love for Italian meals often translates into creativity, and “manicotti” just sounds more romantic, doesn’t it? It’s like saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” Plus, who wouldn’t want to impress their loved ones with a dish boasting such a fancy name? So why not give this easy homemade manicotti recipe a try? You might just win the hearts of family and friends alike!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Manicotti
This easy homemade manicotti is worth your attention for several enticing reasons. First and foremost, it’s a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich stuffing that melts in your mouth. Secondly, making manicotti at home is cost-effective, allowing you to savor a gourmet meal without breaking the bank. Finally, the ability to customize with your favorite toppings—such as fresh herbs or veggies—elevates the dish to another level. Compared to our scrumptious stuffed shells recipe, manicotti offers a different texture and presentation that your family will adore. So why not take a step into the kitchen and create this amazing dish for dinner tonight?
How to Make Easy Homemade Manicotti
Quick Overview
Preparing easy homemade manicotti is a breeze! With a total time of about 40 minutes, you can whip up this comforting dish in no time. The combination of the creamy cheese filling enveloped by tender pasta and topped with robust marinara is simply irresistible. It’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t require culinary expertise, making it perfect for cooks of all levels.
Key Ingredients for Easy Homemade Manicotti
To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups of marinara sauce
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the manicotti shells and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, the egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Stuff Manicotti: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
- Add Sauce: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti in the dish, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving!
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Homemade Manicotti
As you prepare your easy homemade manicotti, here are some handy tips to ensure perfection:
- Cook the pasta al dente: This will prevent the pasta from becoming too soft while baking.
- Use a piping bag: For easy and mess-free filling, a piping bag can make the process much smoother.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to experiment with added ingredients like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or herbs to make it your own.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your dish to avoid overbaking or drying it out.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store your easy homemade manicotti in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you love making large batches, consider freezing uncooked manicotti for future meals. Just prep as directed, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. You’ll have a delicious homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it!
With this easy homemade manicotti recipe, you’re all set to create a warm and satisfying dinner that will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy!
Easy Homemade Manicotti
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the manicotti shells and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, the egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti in the dish, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving!
Leave a Reply