Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 552.1 per serving
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3 Reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces tomato paste
- 24 ounces water
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for boiling manicotti)
- 1 pound manicotti
- 14 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sweet butter, softened
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until the onion turns translucent (about five minutes). Add the tomato paste and stir. Gradually pour in the water, stirring continuously. Add oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer while you prepare the manicotti and filling.
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Cook the Manicotti: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of olive oil, and carefully place the manicotti in the boiling water. Cook until al dente, approximately 12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
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Prepare the Filling: In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the ricotta cheese with eggs until well combined. Add grated mozzarella, Parmesan, softened butter, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Beat on low speed until everything is combined.
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Fill the Manicotti: Gently fill the cooked manicotti with the cheese mixture. Arrange the filled manicotti in two greased 9″x13″ baking pans.
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Cover with Sauce: Pour half of the prepared sauce over the manicotti in each pan. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, and the sauce is bubbling.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve your delectable Cheese Manicotti. Each bite is a burst of cheesy, saucy goodness that will surely delight your taste buds.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 552.1
- Fat: 41.3g
- Saturated Fat: 21.6g
- Cholesterol: 285.1mg
- Sodium: 1860.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.6g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugar: 8.8g
- Protein: 30.1g
This Cheese Manicotti recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The creamy ricotta filling, combined with the savory tomato sauce, creates a dish that is not only comforting but also a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or any special occasion, this recipe is a testament to the joy of homemade Italian cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your kitchen filled with the aroma of deliciousness! 🍝🧀✨
