Stuffed Manicotti Recipe 🍝
Description:
Indulge in the cheesy goodness of this Stuffed Manicotti recipe! Perfectly cooked manicotti noodles are generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Baked to perfection and served piping hot, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or family dinner.
- Recipe Category: Manicotti
- Keywords: European, < 60 Mins, Oven
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 402.9
- Fat Content: 26.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 14.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 147.8mg
- Sodium Content: 1058.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 17.5g
- Fiber Content: 0.5g
- Sugar Content: 11.8g
- Protein Content: 23.9g
Ingredients:
- 12 manicotti noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 1 hour |
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Par-boil Manicotti Noodles:
- Begin by pre-boiling the manicotti noodles until they are just slightly tender. Once done, drain them thoroughly.
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Prepare Noodles for Stuffing:
- Place the drained noodles in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from sticking to each other while you prepare the filling.
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
-
Prepare Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
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Fill Manicotti Shells:
- Once the manicotti noodles have cooled and drained, carefully pat them dry with paper towels. Then, fill each noodle generously with the prepared cheese mixture.
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Prepare Baking Dish:
- Spread 1/2 cup of your favorite spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom of a shallow 3-quart baking dish.
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Arrange Stuffed Shells:
- Arrange the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish, making sure they are nestled snugly against each other.
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Add Sauce and Cheese Toppings:
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, spoon dollops of remaining ricotta cheese over each shell. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses over the top.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed manicotti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
This Stuffed Manicotti recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, or ground meat for a unique twist on this classic dish. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress!
