Description
Manicotti is a classic Italian dish filled with a rich and cheesy filling, typically enjoyed with marinara sauce. This recipe features a three-cheese filling that is creamy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounce manicotti shells
- 3 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 24 ounce whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, and cook the manicotti shells for 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then toss with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cup mozzarella, 3/4 cup Parmesan, beaten eggs, grated garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until creamy and well-combined.
- If using heavy cream, stir it into the marinara sauce before spreading 1 cup of the sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Transfer the cheese filling into a piping bag or zip-lock bag with a snipped corner. Pipe the filling into each manicotti tube from both ends.
- Carefully place the filled manicotti shells in a single layer atop the sauce in your baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti, ensuring each shell is coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Let the manicotti rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.
Notes
Pair with garlic bread or a mixed green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 manicotti
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg