St￭ manicotti is a classic Italian comfort food that evokes the warmth of family dinners and cherished moments around the table. This dish features tubular pasta filled with a rich, creamy ricotta cheese filling, all smothered in a flavorful marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 manicotti noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnishing
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach (if using), fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti noodle with the ricotta cheese filling.
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer on top of the sauce.
Once all the manicotti are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Sprinkle the top with additional shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
