Andy Montoya
Cheese manicotti is a vegetarian pasta dish that is perfect for a family dinner or when feeding a large crowd. Manicotti is a large, ridged, tube-shaped pasta that is stuffed with a rich and creamy cheese filling, topped with sauce, and baked until bubbly. The cheese filling is typically a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, mixed with eggs, herbs, and seasonings. The sauce can be a simple marinara or spaghetti sauce, or a meat sauce such as Bolognese or Ragu.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Comfort food, family favourite |
| Main Ingredients | Pasta, cheese |
| Cheese Types | Ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan |
| Additional Ingredients | Eggs, Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Basil, Lemon zest, Garlic |
| Sauce | Marinara, spaghetti, bolognese, ragu |
| Add-ons | Meat, Vegetables |
| Calories | 438kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 29g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 124mg |
| Sodium | 1288mg |
| Potassium | 517mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan
Cheese manicotti is a vegetarian pasta dish that is perfect for a family dinner or when feeding a large crowd. The pasta tubes are stuffed with a variety of melted cheeses and smothered in marinara sauce. The cheese filling is a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
The process of making cheese manicotti is quite simple. First, the manicotti pasta tubes are cooked in boiling water until al dente. Meanwhile, the cheese filling is prepared by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and other desired ingredients such as garlic, eggs, basil, lemon zest, and seasonings. The cheese mixture is then stuffed into the manicotti tubes, which can be done using a spoon or a piping bag. The stuffed manicotti tubes are then arranged in a baking dish with marinara sauce and baked until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.
The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses creates a rich and creamy filling for the manicotti. Ricotta is a soft and creamy cheese with a mild flavour, making it a perfect base for the other ingredients. Mozzarella, known for its stretchy and melty texture, adds creaminess and richness to the filling. Parmesan cheese, with its strong and nutty flavour, enhances the overall taste of the dish and adds a nice salty note.
The beauty of cheese manicotti lies in its versatility. While the classic version uses ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, cooks can get creative and add their own twist. Some like to include vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or squash, either sautéed or cooked, to the cheese filling. Others might prefer to add meat, such as cooked sausage crumbles, shredded chicken, or meatballs, for a heartier dish. Additionally, the manicotti can be served with a side of garlic bread and a glass of wine for a complete dining experience.
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Manicotti tubes
There are a few different methods for stuffing the manicotti tubes. One way is to use a pastry bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the filling into the tubes. Another method is to simply use a spoon to fill the tubes. It is also possible to buy pre-stuffed manicotti tubes.
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Marinara sauce
Manicotti is a large, ridged, tube-shaped pasta that is stuffed with a rich and creamy three-cheese filling, topped with sauce, and baked until bubbly. The cheese filling typically consists of a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, mixed with eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and other seasonings and herbs. The manicotti tubes are then arranged in a baking dish, covered with sauce, and sprinkled with additional cheese before baking.
The sauce used in cheese manicotti can vary, but one common option is marinara sauce. Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce that is often used in Italian cuisine. It is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs such as basil and oregano. To make the sauce, fresh or canned tomatoes are simmered with the other ingredients until they form a thick, rich sauce. The sauce can be made chunkier by crushing the tomatoes by hand, or smoother by blending them before adding them to the pot.
To use marinara sauce in cheese manicotti, the sauce is first spread onto the bottom of a baking dish. The stuffed manicotti tubes are then arranged on top of the sauce, and the remaining sauce is poured over them. The manicotti is then baked in the oven until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Some recipes suggest thinning the marinara sauce with a little water before using it in the manicotti recipe. This can help to ensure that the sauce coats the pasta evenly and creates a rich, juicy dish. The amount of water added can be adjusted to achieve the desired consistency.
The marinara sauce can also be customized to suit individual tastes or dietary preferences. For a heartier dish, meat such as cooked sausage crumbles, shredded chicken, or meatballs can be added to the sauce. For a vegetarian option, finely diced sauteed vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or yellow squash can be incorporated. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also be added to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
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Meat and vegetables
Meat options include cooked sausage crumbles, shredded cooked chicken, meatballs, and ground beef. You can also add meat to the sauce, such as ground sausage or a rich Ragu sauce.
For vegetables, you can add finely diced, sauteed broccoli, zucchini, yellow squash, or cooked greens. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also add some garlic to the filling mixture.
When adding meat and vegetables to your cheese manicotti, it's important to consider the balance of ingredients. You don't want to overwhelm the dish with too many flavors or textures. Experiment with different combinations and amounts to find what works best for your taste preferences.
Additionally, consider the cooking times and methods for your chosen meat and vegetables. Make sure they are cooked thoroughly and safely, especially if you are adding them to the manicotti filling.
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Baking instructions
To bake cheese manicotti, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, cook the manicotti in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, which should take around 8 to 12 minutes. Drain the water and, if desired, drizzle the manicotti lightly with oil to prevent the noodles from sticking.
In a separate bowl, prepare your cheese filling by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic, onion, or other seasonings and herbs to taste. Once the cheese mixture is well combined, stuff each manicotti shell with the filling. You can do this with a spoon, or for a mess-free option, use a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
Spread a layer of your chosen sauce (typically marinara or spaghetti sauce) onto the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells on top of the sauce, then cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with any remaining cheese and cover the dish with foil.
Place the manicotti in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which should take about 10 to 15 additional minutes. If desired, sprinkle with additional parsley before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese manicotti is made of manicotti pasta tubes stuffed with a variety of melted cheeses and smothered in marinara sauce. The cheese filling typically includes ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, but some recipes also include garlic, eggs, parsley, basil, lemon zest, and various seasonings.
The most common cheeses used in manicotti are ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. However, some recipes may include other types of cheese, such as pepper jack or cheddar.
Manicotti and cannelloni are both large, tube-shaped pastas that are ideal for filling. However, manicotti noodles are ridged, while cannelloni noodles are typically smooth.
