Four-Cheese Manicotti Delight
Indulge in a rich and creamy Four-Cheese Manicotti Delight that perfectly combines the flavors of four distinct cheeses nestled in tender pasta. This comforting dish is infused with the warmth of Italian cooking, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Simple to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests, this manicotti is baked to perfection, allowing the cheesy filling to meld beautifully with zesty spaghetti sauce. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and experience a delectable slice of Italian cuisine.
4-6
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Manicotti
8 ounces (dry)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for boiling)
Ricotta cheese
15 ounces (fresh)
Cottage cheese
16 ounces (fresh, drained)
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (grated)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped, fresh)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Spaghetti sauce
2 1/2 cups (your choice, homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
1
Boil the manicotti according to package directions. To prevent sticking, add vegetable oil to the boiling water.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, grated mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, parsley, and beaten eggs. Mix until well combined and creamy.
3
Once the manicotti is cooked, drain and immediately run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking process.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. You may want to use a pastry bag or a spoon for this step to avoid breaking the pasta.
6
Coat a 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in the dish and pour the spaghetti sauce evenly around and over the shells.
7
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
33g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Four-Cheese Manicotti Delight?
Four-Cheese Manicotti Delight is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish that combines ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan nestled in tender manicotti shells and topped with spaghetti sauce.
What are the four cheeses used in this recipe?
The four cheeses used are ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
How do I prevent the manicotti shells from sticking together while boiling?
Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the boiling water to prevent the pasta from sticking.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the manicotti shells be boiled?
Boil the manicotti shells according to the instructions on the package.
Why should I run cold water over the pasta after draining?
Running cold water over the pasta stops the cooking process immediately, making the shells easier to handle and preventing them from becoming mushy.
What is the best way to stuff the manicotti shells without breaking them?
Carefully use a spoon or a pastry bag to fill the shells to avoid breaking the delicate pasta.
What size casserole dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 3-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the manicotti need to bake while covered with foil?
The dish should be covered with aluminum foil and baked for 45 minutes.
Do I need to bake the manicotti uncovered?
Yes, after 45 minutes of covered baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until it is bubbly and golden.
Is this Four-Cheese Manicotti recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat ingredients.
How many calories are in one serving of this manicotti?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes between 4 and 6 servings.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 16 grams of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content is 12 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use store-bought spaghetti sauce for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought spaghetti sauce of your choice.
How should the eggs be prepared before adding them to the cheese mixture?
The 2 eggs should be beaten before being mixed with the cheeses and seasonings.
What amount of ricotta cheese is needed?
You will need 15 ounces of fresh ricotta cheese.
What amount of cottage cheese is required?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of fresh, drained cottage cheese.
How much mozzarella and parmesan cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses 1 cup of grated mozzarella and 1/3 cup of grated parmesan.
What herbs are used for seasoning the cheese mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with one tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, coat the casserole dish with nonstick spray before arranging the stuffed manicotti.
How do I arrange the manicotti in the dish?
Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish and then pour the spaghetti sauce evenly around and over them.
What are the primary seasoning ingredients besides parsley?
Besides parsley, the cheese mixture is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its comforting flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
What is the total baking time for the dish?
The total baking time is 60 minutes.
Can I garnish the finished manicotti?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the dish hot and garnished with fresh parsley.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of dry manicotti shells.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe falls under the Pasta category, specifically Italian-style baked pasta.