Italian Manicotti Recipe ๐ฎ๐น
Overview:
Indulge in the culinary delights of Italy with this exquisite Italian Manicotti recipe! Stuffed with a delectable blend of cheeses, vegetables, and savory spices, these manicotti promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this dish is both kid-friendly and easy to make. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 55 minutes, it’s a quick and convenient option for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 8 manicotti shells
- 2 eggs
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3/4 cup cream-style cottage cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). |
| 2 | Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. |
| 3 | Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, chopped onions, grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, cottage cheese, and drained spinach. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 4 | Stuff Manicotti Shells: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture until they are evenly filled. |
| 5 | Arrange in Pan: Place the stuffed manicotti shells side by side in the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are snugly arranged to prevent them from unrolling during baking. |
| 6 | Add Sauce: Pour your favorite marinara or pasta sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells, covering them completely. |
| 7 | Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the manicotti, adding a delicious cheesy crust. |
| 8 | Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the manicotti is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly on top. |
| 9 | Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the manicotti from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. |
| 10 | Enjoy!: Serve your Italian Manicotti hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors with your loved ones. Buon appetito! ๐ |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 518.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 18.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 112mg
- Sodium Content: 1563.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 52.7g
- Fiber Content: 3.4g
- Sugar Content: 16.2g
- Protein Content: 34.1g
Recipe Notes:
- For a twist, you can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese and spinach mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, or garlic powder, to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Serve the manicotti alongside a fresh green salad and crusty Italian bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
With its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, this Italian Manicotti recipe is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
