Easy Manicotti

Hey there, food adventurers! Today we’re talking about a dish that’s all about big hugs in pasta form. I’m sharing my love for Easy Manicotti, a divine creation that will have your taste buds dancing a little salsa. Tender pasta tubes snuggling around ricotta and spinach, all swimming luxuriously in tomato sauce and melting cheese. It’s cozy, cheesy, and everything you need on a not-so-perfect Wednesday night. Why should you try it? Because, trust me, it’s like a little Italian vacation made in your very own kitchen. I’m not even joking.

So, let’s get personal here. In our household, this Easy Manicotti has become legendary. The first time my hubby tasted it, he legit looked at me like I was a magician. “Babe, are we Italian now?” he’d ask, mouth full. And don’t get me started on my kiddos; they’d slurp up the sauce like it’s hot chocolate on a snow day. My mantel should probably just have a trophy that says “Manicotti Master” on it by now. Seriously though, make this once, and it’s going on your frequent flyer list.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Manicotti

– Perfect for those days you need a culinary hug.
– It’s messy in the best way, which means you can do no wrong.
– One pan means fewer dishes. Hallelujah!
– That cheesy, creamy filling is like a big ol’ bear hug for your insides.

How to Make It

Alright, get comfy. First, you gotta boil up some manicotti tubes. Don’t be like me the first time I tried this and turned them into mush. Under-cook them a bit since they’ll keep cooking later. Mix together ricotta, chopped spinach (sneaky veggies for the win), and a handful of grated cheese — go ahead, add more than you think is proper. Now, gently shove that glorious mixture into your pasta tubes. It’s like stuffing a sleeping bag back into its case; don’t stress if it’s not graceful. Nestle those tubes in a cozy tomato sauce pool, then blanket them with even more cheese. Toss it in the oven, and let magic happen. Dance around the kitchen as it bakes because you’re about to become a dinner legend.

Ingredient Notes

– Ricotta Cheese: Creamy goodness, a total must. If it’s lumpy, don’t worry. We love it anyway.
– Spinach: The more, the merrier. No one’s gonna notice if you sneak in a bit more.
– Tomato Sauce: Go wild with flavors, basil, garlic — you do you!
– Manicotti Tubes: Try not to break too many. If you do, just pretend it was intentional — rustic, right?

Recipe Steps:
1. Boil manicotti tubes slightly underdone and drain.
2. Combine ricotta, spinach, and cheese in a bowl, feel free to get your hands dirty.
3. Carefully stuff tubes with ricotta mix. Channel your inner pasta stylist.
4. Lay them down in a baking dish smothered with tomato sauce.
5. Add another layer of sauce and cheese on top. More is more.
6. Bake until bubbly and golden. Pace the kitchen in anticipation.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? (Who are we kidding?) Pop them in an airtight container and into the fridge. They’ll be fine for a few days. Eating them cold straight from the fridge is totally acceptable — I’ve done it. Breakfast of champions.

Variations and Substitutions

Listen, life happens, and sometimes the fridge is sad and empty. Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if needed. No spinach? Toss in kale or even arugula. Feel free to slip in crushed red pepper for a little kick — I dare you. Don’t have manicotti? Use shells. You and I both know it’ll be just as fab.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Manicotti

This Easy Manicotti recipe is a classic Italian dish, filled with ricotta cheese and topped with a rich homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 12 pieces manicotti shells
• ▢ 15 oz ricotta cheese whole milk preferred
• ▢ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 1 jar marinara sauce about 24 oz
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 tsp dried basil
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
• Cook manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
• In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
• Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag, then place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
• Pour marinara sauce evenly over the filled manicotti and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top.
• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add cooked spinach or ground beef to the cheese filling.