Recipe: Manicotti π
Prepare to indulge in a delightful Italian classic with this mouthwatering Manicotti recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this oven-baked dish requires just under 4 hours to create, with a mere 30 minutes of cooking time and 1 hour of prep time, yielding approximately 8 servings. With its savory combination of tomato sauce, cheeses, and aromatic spices, each bite promises to be a culinary delight. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 can | Tomato sauce |
| 1 can | Tomato paste |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 1 tsp | Garlic powder |
| 1 tsp | Dried oregano |
| 1/2 cup | Fresh mushrooms |
| 1/2 lb | Ricotta cheese |
| 1/2 lb | Mozzarella cheese |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese |
| 2-3 cups | Frozen spinach |
| 1 | Egg |
| Salt, to taste | |
| Pepper, to taste |
Instructions:
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
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In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, squeeze the fresh Italian sausage out of its casing into the hot kettle. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon as it cooks.
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Once the sausage is browned, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano, adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
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Meanwhile, prepare the filling for the manicotti. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, frozen spinach (thawed and drained), chopped fresh mushrooms, and one beaten egg. Mix until well combined and set aside.
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Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture, using a spoon or piping bag to evenly distribute the filling.
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Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
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Arrange the stuffed manicotti in rows in the baking dish, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow for even cooking.
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Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top of the stuffed manicotti, ensuring they are generously coated with sauce.
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Sprinkle the top of the manicotti with additional mozzarella cheese, adding a deliciously gooey layer of cheesy goodness to the dish.
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden and melted.
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Once baked, remove the manicotti from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve the manicotti hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy the irresistible flavors of this homemade Italian favorite!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 191
- Total Fat: 10.9g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1g
- Cholesterol: 56.4mg
- Sodium: 797mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.9g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugars: 5.6g
- Protein: 15.4g
Reviews:
With an impressive aggregated rating of 4.5 stars and 12 glowing reviews, this Manicotti recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. From its comforting flavors to its ease of preparation, it’s no wonder why home cooks everywhere are raving about this delicious dish!
