Decadent Swiss and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti
Indulge in a delightful blend of flavors with our Decadent Swiss and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti. This vegetarian dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a creamy filling that blends the richness of ricotta with the nutty flavor of Swiss cheese, all enveloped in tender manicotti shells. The tangy notes from the dry white wine and a hint of lemon zest elevate the dish, making it a memorable meal. While it’s a delicious meatless option, serve it alongside Italian sausage for the meat lovers in your life. You can also customize it by adding sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy the comfort of this classic Italian dish, adapted from a beloved Better Homes recipe, that's sure to impress at your next gathering.
4
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Manicotti
8 (Cooked according to package instructions)
Green onions
1/4 cup (Sliced)
Garlic
1 clove (Minced)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Flour
2 tablespoons (For thickening sauce)
Milk
1 1/3 cups (Whole or 2% recommended)
Swiss cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Dry white wine
1/4 cup (For flavor)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Ricotta cheese
1 cup (Softened)
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Parsley
1/3 cup (Minced)
Lemon
1/4 teaspoon (Finely shredded rind)
Ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the manicotti according to the package instructions, making sure to avoid overcooking to prevent splitting. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
For the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced green onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
3
Stir in the flour and mix well, cooking for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles appear.
4
Incorporate the shredded Swiss cheese and dry white wine into the thickened sauce, stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Set the sauce aside.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced parsley, lemon zest, and ground nutmeg. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
6
Carefully fill each cooked manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture using a small spoon for precision. Arrange the filled manicotti in a greased 12x7x2 inch baking dish.
7
Pour the creamy sauce generously over the stuffed manicotti, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
8
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes for a lightly golden top.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Swiss and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti?
It is a vegetarian Italian-inspired dish featuring manicotti shells stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, topped with a Swiss cheese and white wine sauce.
Is this stuffed manicotti recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written, though it can be served with meat on the side if desired.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, a beaten egg, minced parsley, lemon zest, and ground nutmeg.
How do I prevent the manicotti shells from splitting?
To prevent splitting, follow the package instructions carefully and avoid overcooking the pasta before stuffing.
What kind of sauce is used for this dish?
The dish uses a homemade creamy white sauce made from butter, green onions, garlic, flour, milk, Swiss cheese, and dry white wine.
Can I add meat to this manicotti?
While the recipe is meatless, you can serve it alongside Italian sausage for those who prefer meat.
At what temperature should I bake the manicotti?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F.
How long does the baking process take?
The dish should bake for 35 to 40 minutes in total until heated through and bubbly.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, adding sautéed mushrooms is a recommended way to customize the dish and add an extra layer of flavor.
Do I need to cover the manicotti while it bakes?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first part of the baking process.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 12.5g of protein.
What type of wine is best for the sauce?
A dry white wine is recommended to provide tangy notes and elevate the flavor of the Swiss cheese sauce.
How many manicotti shells are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 manicotti shells.
How do I make the white sauce thicker?
The sauce is thickened by creating a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisking in milk and cooking until bubbles appear.
What type of milk should I use?
Whole milk or 2% milk is recommended for the best consistency in the sauce.
What is the purpose of the egg in the cheese mixture?
The beaten egg acts as a binder to help hold the ricotta cheese mixture together inside the shells.
How much Swiss cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese for the sauce.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 12x7x2 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the foil be removed during baking?
Yes, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve a lightly golden top.
Does this recipe include lemon?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of finely shredded lemon rind for a hint of zest.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses ground nutmeg, minced parsley, garlic, and green onions for seasoning.
How do I fill the manicotti shells?
Use a small spoon for precision to carefully fill each cooked shell with the prepared ricotta mixture.
What type of Parmesan should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much mozzarella is in the filling?
The filling includes 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe requires 1 minced clove of garlic for the sauce.
Is this recipe easy for entertaining?
Yes, its decadent flavors and impressive presentation make it perfect for hosting guests or family dinners.
What is the source of this recipe?
This dish is adapted from a beloved Better Homes recipe.
What gives the sauce its nutty flavor?
The nutty flavor comes from the inclusion of shredded Swiss cheese in the sauce.
How do I know when the dish is done?
The dish is ready when it is heated through, the sauce is bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.