Lori’s Manicotti Dinner
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Description: Delight in the rich flavors of Lori’s Manicotti Dinner, a scrumptious dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, brought to you by lovewithrecipes.com.
Recipe Category: Manicotti
Keywords: Cheese, < 60 Mins
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella cheese | 4 cups |
| Ricotta cheese | 12 oz |
| Fresh basil | 2 tbsp |
| Parmesan cheese | 6 tbsp |
| Romano cheese | ½ cup |
| Spaghetti sauce | 1 jar |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 461.1 |
| Total Fat | 31.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 109.5 mg |
| Sodium | 937.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 13.7 g |
| Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Protein | 30.3 g |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking of your manicotti.
- Prepare a 13 x 9 inch baking dish by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, ensuring it retains some firmness for filling.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cool water to halt the cooking process; set it aside to dry on paper towels.
- For the filling, in a medium mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of mozzarella cheese with the ricotta cheese and fresh basil, stirring until the mixture is well blended and creamy.
- Using a teaspoon, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring they are filled but not overflowing.
- Spread 2 cups of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base.
- Arrange the stuffed pasta shells on top of the sauce, making sure they are snugly placed for even cooking.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the top of the stuffed pasta, ensuring each shell is covered to keep it moist.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the pasta for a deliciously gooey topping.
- Bake the manicotti in your preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to begin melting.
- After 15 minutes, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Once baked, serve your manicotti immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired, and enjoy this hearty, cheesy dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones!
This delightful recipe not only embodies comfort food but also invites you to indulge in a blend of rich cheeses and aromatic herbs, making it a wonderful addition to any dinner table.
