Ah, Italian cuisine—it’s like a warm embrace from your nonna, isn’t it? The aromas of garlic simmering, basil dancing in the air, and the comforting embrace of rich sauces just make my heart sing! One dish that always brings me back to those cherished family gatherings is stuffed manicotti with marinara. It’s a classic favorite that never fails to impress, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive celebration. I remember the first time I tried making it; I was determined to recreate my mom’s recipe. The joy I felt when I took the first bite, tasting that creamy ricotta and zesty marinara, was undeniable. Every time I make it, it feels like I’m sharing a piece of my heritage, and I can’t wait for you to experience that joy too!
Ingredients List
For this delicious stuffed manicotti with marinara recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to gather everything before you start; it makes the whole process so much smoother!
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes – these sturdy tubes are perfect for holding all that cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese – the star of the filling, creamy and rich!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that melty, gooey texture that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the ricotta.
- 1 egg – this helps bind everything together, making the filling nice and cohesive.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped – brings a burst of freshness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – because who doesn’t love a little extra flavor?
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season well!
- 3 cups marinara sauce – a rich, flavorful sauce to slather over your manicotti.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for drizzling, adding a touch of richness.
How to Prepare the Stuffed Manicotti with Marinara Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process that’ll have you whipping up this stuffed manicotti with marinara like a pro! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making it on repeat.
Preheat and Cook the Manicotti
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for perfectly baked manicotti! While the oven is warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Don’t skimp on the salt; it’s key to flavoring the pasta. Cook the manicotti tubes for about 7 minutes, just until they’re al dente. You want them firm enough to hold their shape when you stuff them. Once cooked, drain them and let them cool in a single layer to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
Now, let’s get cheesy! In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. It should be thick but spreadable—like a rich frosting. If it’s too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or a bit more egg to loosen it up a bit.
Stuff the Manicotti Tubes
Here comes the fun part! Grab a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and fill it with your cheese mixture. This makes stuffing the manicotti a breeze! Carefully pipe the filling into each manicotti tube, making sure to fill them evenly. It’s okay if a little cheese peeks out; that just means it’s going to get all nice and bubbly during baking!
Assemble the Dish
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom—this helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. Next, arrange your stuffed manicotti in a single layer, fitting them snugly together. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, covering each tube generously. For a beautiful finish, drizzle a little olive oil over the sauce and sprinkle with any extra cheese you have left.
Baking Instructions
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. This step ensures the manicotti steam and cook through. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden. You’ll know it’s done when it’s all ooey-gooey and smells absolutely divine. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up nicely!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your stuffed manicotti with marinara, here are some expert tips that I’ve picked up along the way. First, feel free to mix up your cheeses! Adding a bit of goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar can lend a different flavor profile that’s absolutely delightful. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some sautéed spinach or ground meat into the cheese filling for added texture and nutrition.
And let’s talk marinara—homemade is always best, but if you’re short on time, choose a high-quality store-bought version. Adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce can give it an extra kick! Lastly, don’t skip the fresh herbs for garnish; they not only enhance the dish’s appearance but also brighten the flavors. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a world of difference!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying stuffed manicotti with marinara, it’s always good to know what you’re fueling your body with! The following nutritional values are based on a serving size of one stuffed manicotti. Keep in mind that these values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose.
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
FAQ Section
If you’ve got questions about making stuffed manicotti with marinara, I’ve got answers! One common question is how to store leftovers. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the manicotti to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Another popular inquiry is about variations. You can easily switch up the cheese blend or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a twist. If you want a meaty version, ground beef or sausage mixed into the filling also works wonders.
As for serving suggestions, these stuffed manicotti pair beautifully with a light salad or some garlic bread to soak up that delicious marinara. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare—perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs!
- Family-friendly—everyone loves the cheesy, comforting goodness!
- Rich flavors that bring a taste of Italy right to your dinner table.
- Perfect for gatherings—impress your guests with this crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable—add your favorite ingredients for a personal touch.
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal truly unforgettable, I highly recommend pairing your stuffed manicotti with some warm, buttery garlic bread. The crunchy, garlicky slices are perfect for soaking up that rich marinara sauce! A fresh, crisp salad on the side adds a nice balance to the creamy pasta—think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. You can even toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a pop of color and flavor. Trust me, these sides will elevate your dining experience and leave everyone at the table smiling!
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Stuffed Manicotti with Marinara Recipe: 5 Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stuffed manicotti with marinara is a classic Italian dish featuring pasta tubes filled with a savory mixture and topped with rich marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook manicotti in boiling salted water for 7 minutes, then drain and cool.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each manicotti tube with the cheese mixture using a piping bag.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, incorporate spinach or ground meat into the cheese mixture.
- Pair with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish with additional basil or parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed manicotti
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: stuffed manicotti, marinara recipe, Italian pasta dish
