Who doesn’t love a comforting, cheesy dish that practically oozes flavor? Meet Easy Homemade Manicotti—a delightful Italian classic that’s not only creamy and luscious, but also super simple to whip up! Picture this: tender pasta tubes stuffed to the brim with a rich filling of ricotta and herbs, all smothered in a savory marinara sauce. What’s not to love?
Did you know that manicotti translates to “little sleeves” in Italian? This whimsical name perfectly captures the way these pasta tubes embrace their delicious filling. What makes this dish even more special is its amazing versatility—ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. If you love this pasta dish, consider trying other comforting favorites on the blog, like our stuffed shells. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Let’s dive into this easy homemade manicotti recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite at your dinner table.
What is Easy Homemade Manicotti?
So, what’s the story behind the name “manicotti”? Imagine this: you’re in a charming Italian restaurant, and the waiter walks over, gesturing with enthusiasm. He presents you with this delightful pasta, saying, “Here are your little sleeves stuffed with a heavenly filling!” Who could resist such a whimsical concept? The term ‘manicotti’ does indeed mean “little sleeves,” hinting at the fun and the flavors tucked within. It’s true what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and this dish proves it! You’ll be left to wonder how something so simple can bring so much joy. Ready to put on your apron and give this a try? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Manicotti
There’s so much to love about Easy Homemade Manicotti that it’s hard to pick just a few highlights! First and foremost, this dish shines because of its creamy, cheesy filling that bursts with flavor. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more.
Secondly, making manicotti at home is incredibly cost-effective. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels luxurious without breaking the bank! Why spend on restaurant meals when you can enjoy a gourmet experience right in your kitchen?
Lastly, the versatility of this dish stands out. Whether you love it slathered in marinara sauce or topped with a richAlfredo, you can customize the toppings to suit your taste! If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out our baked ziti for another deliciously cheesy dish. Ready to gather your ingredients and make this delightful meal at home? Let’s go!
How to Make Easy Homemade Manicotti
Quick Overview
Making Easy Homemade Manicotti is a breeze! This satisfying dish is not only delicious but is also easy to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes to get it ready for the oven. With its creamy filling and rich sauce, this pasta dish promises to be a hit with everyone at your table. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Key Ingredients for Easy Homemade Manicotti
Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty dish:
- 8 manicotti pasta shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the manicotti shells just until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Stuff the shells: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
- Arrange the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh parsley if desired!
What to Serve Easy Homemade Manicotti With
To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing Easy Homemade Manicotti with a fresh garden salad for crunch and color. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta beautifully. You might also enjoy serving some garlic bread on the side for that perfect Italian touch—perfect for soaking up every delicious drop of marinara. And don’t forget a glass of sparkling water or red wine to complete your dining experience!
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Homemade Manicotti
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells; a slight firmness is ideal since they will continue cooking in the oven.
- If you want a little extra flavor, consider adding spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese filling.
- For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta or cheese. You can even sneak in some finely chopped vegetables for extra nutrition!
- Make sure to spread the sauce generously to keep the pasta moist during baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! You can store Easy Homemade Manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to freeze this dish for future meals, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before following the reheating instructions.
Now that you have all the info you need to create this delicious Easy Homemade Manicotti, gather your ingredients and get cooking! Your family will love this dish, and it’s always nice to know you made it from scratch. Happy cooking!
Easy Homemade Manicotti
Ingredients
Pasta and Fillings
- 8 pieces manicotti pasta shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the manicotti shells just until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- 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 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh parsley if desired!
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