Creamy Broccoli & Cheese Manicotti with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Indulge in this Creamy Broccoli & Cheese Manicotti, a delightful twist on the classic dish that combines the richness of ricotta and mozzarella with the hidden nutrition of broccoli slaw. This recipe is perfect for families, as its creamy filling is cleverly camouflaged, ensuring even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy it. The vibrant roasted red pepper sauce adds a sweet, smoky flavor that elevates the dish to new heights, making it a hit on any dinner table. Easy to prepare and totally vegetarian, this manicotti is sure to become a comforting staple in your meal rotation!
N/A
Servings
550
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
manicotti shells
8 (Cook according to package directions)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
broccoli slaw mix
1 cup (Sautéed until softened)
garlic
1 teaspoon (Chopped and sautéed)
ricotta cheese
16 ounces (No preparation needed)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (Adjusted for filling and topping)
eggs
2 (Lightly beaten)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (No preparation needed)
dried Italian spices
2 teaspoons (For seasoning)
canned diced tomatoes
14.5 ounces (With basil, oregano, and garlic)
bottled roasted sweet red pepper
1 cup (Chopped)
salt
to taste (For seasoning)
pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Drain the shells carefully and set them aside to cool.
3
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the broccoli slaw and chopped garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs with ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian spices, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5
Add the sautéed broccoli slaw mixture to the cheese mixture and blend until well incorporated.
6
To easily fill the manicotti, transfer the cheese mixture to a large freezer bag and snip off one corner. Carefully pipe the mixture into each manicotti shell.
7
Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer.
8
In a blender, combine the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and chopped roasted red peppers. Blend until smooth or desired consistency is reached.
9
Pour the roasted red pepper sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti.
10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11
For a cheesy and golden finish, remove the foil, sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
12
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Nutrition Information
30
Fat
45
Carbs
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli & Cheese Manicotti?
It is a vegetarian twist on classic manicotti featuring a creamy ricotta and mozzarella filling mixed with sautéed broccoli slaw, topped with a homemade roasted red pepper sauce.
Is this manicotti recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian, using cheese, eggs, and vegetables for the filling and sauce.
How many manicotti shells are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 8 manicotti shells, cooked according to package instructions.
What is the secret to making this dish kid-friendly?
The use of broccoli slaw in the creamy cheese filling helps camouflage the vegetables, making it easier for picky eaters to enjoy.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the manicotti.
How is the broccoli prepared for the filling?
Sauté one cup of broccoli slaw with a teaspoon of chopped garlic in olive oil for 3-5 minutes until softened.
What types of cheese are used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of 16 ounces of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How many eggs are required for the cheese mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 lightly beaten eggs to help bind the cheese filling.
What is the easiest way to fill the manicotti shells?
Transfer the cheese and broccoli mixture to a large freezer bag, snip off one corner, and pipe the mixture into the shells.
What are the ingredients for the roasted red pepper sauce?
The sauce is made by blending 14.5 ounces of canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and 1 cup of chopped roasted sweet red peppers until smooth.
How long should the manicotti bake in the oven?
Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray before arranging the filled manicotti.
What seasonings are used in the cheese filling?
The filling is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dried Italian spices, plus salt and pepper to taste.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving in this manicotti dish.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of canned tomatoes should I use for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using canned diced tomatoes that already include basil, oregano, and garlic for extra flavor.
Do I need to cook the roasted red pepper sauce on the stove?
No, the sauce is blended and poured directly over the manicotti to cook in the oven.
How do I get a golden cheesy finish on top?
Remove the aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
What size baking dish do I need?
A standard 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended.
How much olive oil is used?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the broccoli and garlic.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic to be sautéed with the broccoli.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to let the filling set.
Is the sauce spicy?
No, the sauce is described as having a sweet and smoky flavor due to the roasted sweet red peppers.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetarian, comfort food, family-friendly, pasta, and homemade sauce.
Can I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
Yes, you can blend the tomato and pepper mixture until it reaches your desired smoothness.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish meal because it contains grains, vegetables, and protein all in one bake.
How much broccoli slaw is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of broccoli slaw mix.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh Italian spices?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of dried Italian spices.