Cheese Manicotti: Perfect Pairing Ideas For A Hearty Meal

Cheese manicotti is a hearty and impressive vegetarian dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses and fillings. While ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are commonly used, other cheeses like whole milk ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese can also be added for a richer, creamier taste. Manicotti is often served with a side of garlic bread and a salad, and it can be paired with a variety of sauces, such as marinara, alfredo, or meat sauce.

Spinach Cheese Manicotti

Ingredients:

• Manicotti shells
• Spinach
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley
• Garlic powder
• Onion
• Egg
• Salt and pepper
• Marinara/spaghetti sauce

Method:

First, prepare the cheese and spinach filling by mixing ricotta, spinach, onion, egg, parsley, pepper, and garlic powder together in a large bowl. Stir in some of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Next, stuff the uncooked manicotti shells with the filling. Spread a layer of marinara or spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, then arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer. Cover with more sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 30-55 minutes, until the shells are tender.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Spinach Cheese Manicotti recipe!

Three-Cheese Turkey Manicotti

Ingredients:

• 12 uncooked manicotti shells
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 1 jar (24 ounces) three-cheese spaghetti sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Optional:

• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 egg

Steps:

• Cook the manicotti according to the package directions.
• In a large skillet, cook the turkey and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain.
• Stir in the spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder.
• Place 1 cup of the meat sauce in a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
• Drain the manicotti. In a large bowl, combine the cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and egg.
• Stuff the mixture into the manicotti shells.
• Place the shells over the meat sauce. Top with the remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
• Cover and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly.

Serving Suggestions:

This hearty and comforting manicotti dish can be served with a crispy salad and garlic bread on the side. It's perfect for a family dinner or when feeding a large crowd.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer. When ready to eat, simply bake it in the oven.

Variations:

• Veggies: You can add some sautéed veggies like spinach, broccoli, zucchini, or yellow squash to the cheese filling.
• Meat: Ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken can be added to the filling or sauce for a heartier dish.
• Cheese: Play around with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or goat cheese, to find your favourite combination.

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for later enjoyment.

Pro Tips:

• To make filling the manicotti shells easier, use a pastry bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the filling into the shells.
• Don't boil the manicotti shells before filling them; this recipe doesn't require it, and it will save you time!

Meat-filled Manicotti

Ingredients

• Manicotti shells
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Ricotta or cottage cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Parsley
• Salt and pepper
• Spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce
• Olive oil
• Butter

Method

First, cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions. You want them to be slightly undercooked to make assembly easier. Drain the shells and rinse them in cold water, then set aside.

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. You can also add onions or garlic to the meat for extra flavour. Drain and let the meat cool.

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooled meat mixture.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread a layer of spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce on the bottom.

Stuff each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the shells. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish and cover with the remaining sauce.

Sprinkle the top with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Variations

• You can add some greenery like chopped parsley or basil to the meat mixture or use it as a garnish.
• For a heartier dish, add minced spinach or chopped broccoli to the meat and cheese mixture.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer.
• To freeze, place the unbaked manicotti in a foil baking dish and cover tightly. It will last for up to two months in the freezer.

Crispy salad and garlic bread sides

A crispy salad and garlic bread are excellent sides to serve with cheese manicotti. Here are some ideas on how to prepare them:

Crispy Salad

A crispy salad is a refreshing side dish to accompany the hearty cheese manicotti. You can use a variety of fresh greens such as mixed greens, romaine lettuce, arugula, or iceberg lettuce as your base. To add some colour and texture, include crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers. For a tangy twist, toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios.

When it comes to the dressing, a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper is a classic choice. Alternatively, you can opt for a creamy option like a Caesar salad dressing, which pairs well with the bold flavours of the manicotti. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different herbs and spices in your dressing or include some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a must-have side when serving cheese manicotti. Here's a simple recipe to follow:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Start with a loaf of French bread, preferably fresh from the bakery. Cut the bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet.
• For the garlic spread, combine softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic cloves, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Spread this mixture evenly over each half of the garlic bread.
• Top the bread with shredded cheese. A combination of Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese works well, but you can also use other Italian cheese blends.
• Bake the garlic bread in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the butter is melted and bubbly. For an even crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added colour and flavour.

Now you have two delicious sides to accompany your cheese manicotti! Enjoy the combination of crispy, crunchy textures and cheesy goodness.

Roasted vegetables as a side

Roasted vegetables are a fantastic side dish to serve with cheese manicotti. Not only are they delicious, but they also add a nutritional boost to the meal. Here's a suggested recipe for roasted vegetables that would go well with cheese manicotti:

Ingredients:

• Chopped broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots (2 cups each)
• Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon)
• Minced garlic cloves (2)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup)
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup)
• Fresh parsley (1/2 cup)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Canned tomato sauce (2 – 14 oz.)
• Grated Asiago cheese
• Grated mozzarella or Swiss cheese (2 cups)
• Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon)
• Hot pepper sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Chop the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots into 1-inch pieces.
• Toss the chopped vegetables with oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic.
• Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly browned.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and egg. You can also add some parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Once the vegetables are done, let them cool slightly and then mix them with the cheese mixture.
• Cook the manicotti pasta according to the package instructions.
• Fill the cooked manicotti with the vegetable and cheese mixture.
• In a baking dish, pour some tomato sauce on the bottom and arrange the stuffed manicotti on top.
• Sprinkle grated Asiago cheese on top of the manicotti.
• Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the manicotti is heated through and the cheese is melted.

This roasted vegetable side dish is a delicious and nutritious addition to your cheese manicotti meal. Enjoy!

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