### Simple Stuffed Manicotti Recipe: A Prep-Ahead Dish for Hectic Evenings
Stuffed manicotti is a wonderful Italian dish that features large tubular pasta packed with a creamy cheese blend, coated in marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly. This recipe is not only straightforward to make but also ideal for hectic evenings, enabling you to prepare it in advance and just pop it in the oven when it’s time to dine.
#### What is Manicotti?
Manicotti is a lengthy, sizable tubular pasta usually filled with a ricotta cheese blend. It shares similarities with other stuffed pasta varieties, like traditional stuffed shells. Once baked, manicotti transforms into a robust and comforting dish that many adore.
### Ingredient Highlights
– **Manicotti:** This pasta is perfect for holding the stuffing. If manicotti is unavailable, you can replace it with cannelloni or large pasta shells.
– **Filling:** The filling features three kinds of cheese: mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan. For a lighter alternative, cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta; just make sure to strain it to eliminate excess moisture.
– **Sauce:** Homemade marinara sauce boosts the dish’s flavor. Nonetheless, store-bought marinara or even a simple tomato sauce can be used. Incorporating Italian seasoning can enhance the taste.
### How to Prepare Manicotti
1. **Boil the Manicotti Shells:** Cook the manicotti shells in salted water for 7-8 minutes until nearly tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
2. **Mix the Filling:** In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, ¼ cup of parmesan, an egg, pesto, salt, and pepper. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag for convenient filling.
3. **Construct the Dish:** Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish. Top with the remaining marinara sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ¼ cup of parmesan.
4. **Bake:** Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and the pasta is soft.
### Success Tips
– **Shell Cooking:** Boil the shells just until soft to avoid mushiness during baking.
– **Cooling the Shells:** Rinse the cooked shells in cold water to cool them rapidly and prevent them from sticking.
– **Filling Method:** Use a piping bag to easily fill the shells. Pipe from both ends to guarantee they are filled evenly.
### Leftover Storage
This stuffed manicotti recipe is excellent for leftovers. You can prepare it up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw (if frozen) and bake as directed. Already-cooked leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
### Common Questions
**Do I need to cook manicotti shells before stuffing them?**
Yes, traditional manicotti shells need to be precooked. However, oven-ready shells can be used if you wish to bypass this step.
**Will using oven-ready manicotti noodles alter the cooking time?**
Yes, if using oven-ready noodles, keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. If it looks dry, add a bit of water around the edges and cover the dish to ensure even cooking.
### Final Thoughts
This stuffed manicotti recipe offers a warm and satisfying meal that can be easily made ahead of time. With its cheesy stuffing and rich marinara sauce, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy your scrumptious creation!