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Baked Cheese Manicotti

Baked Cheese Manicotti
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Baked Cheese Manicotti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all baked in a savory marinara sauce until golden and bubbly. This classic dish combines rich cheesy flavors with a homestyle feel, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 12 manicotti pasta shells

For the Cheese Filling

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or basil)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

  • 4 cups marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook until just al dente, about 6-8 minutes, so they remain firm enough to hold the filling. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  2. Make the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, creating the flavorful filling for the manicotti.
  3. Fill the manicotti shells: Using a spoon or a piping bag, gently fill each cooked manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill to avoid breaking the pasta during assembly and baking.
  4. Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara generously over the manicotti, ensuring each piece is covered for moisture and flavor.
  5. Bake until bubbly: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes. For a golden, slightly crispy cheese top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Use fresh ricotta and mozzarella for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; it should be slightly undercooked to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Fill the pasta gently using a piping bag or spoon to prevent breaking the shells.
  • Let the baked manicotti rest for a few minutes before serving to allow easier slicing.
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs on top after baking to retain their bright flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked manicotti, cheese manicotti, Italian casserole, creamy pasta bake, ricotta pasta, vegetarian pasta dish

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/baked-cheese-manicotti/