Hearty Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti Bake
Indulge in this hearty Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti Bake that combines the rich flavors of a cheesy filling and a savory spaghetti sauce. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish offers a delightful experience with every bite. The creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and zesty parmesan come together to create a delicious filling that is both satisfying and comforting. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable; feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to the mix. Serve it hot right from the oven and watch it disappear!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Manicotti
8 ounces (Dry pasta)
Ricotta Cheese
2 cups (Softened)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups (Shredded)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Fresh Parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Unprocessed)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Spaghetti Sauce
3 1/2 cups (Store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the manicotti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
4
Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture.
5
Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish.
6
Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.
7
Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the manicotti, ensuring they are well coated.
8
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
9
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti Bake?
It is a comforting dish featuring pasta shells stuffed with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, baked in a savory spaghetti sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of softened ricotta cheese.
Do I need to cook the manicotti shells before stuffing them?
Yes, cook the manicotti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and let them cool slightly.
How much mozzarella cheese is used in the filling?
Use 1 cup of shredded mozzarella in the cheese mixture, and save the rest for the topping.
What type of parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Are there any fresh herbs in this dish?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended.
How do I prevent the manicotti from sticking to the bottom of the dish?
Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the baking dish before arranging the stuffed manicotti.
What is the best way to fill the manicotti shells?
You can use a spoon or a piping bag to carefully fill each shell with the cheese mixture.
How long should the manicotti bake while covered?
Bake the dish covered with foil for 40 minutes.
When do I add the remaining mozzarella cheese?
After the initial 40 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
How long does the cheese take to melt and become bubbly?
Bake for an additional 15 minutes after removing the foil.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce.
How much total spaghetti sauce is needed?
The recipe uses 3 and 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce.
What is the total amount of manicotti pasta needed?
You will need 8 ounces of dry manicotti pasta.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Yes, you can customize the filling by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much salt should I add to the cheese mixture?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is simple to prepare.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is part of Italian cuisine.
Is this recipe good for family dinners?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is creamy and rich thanks to the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
How should the parsley be prepared?
The fresh parsley should be chopped before being added to the mixture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While the instructions describe immediate baking, you can prepare the stuffed shells and sauce in the dish and refrigerate before baking.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include manicotti, cheese, pasta bake, comfort food, easy recipe, italian cuisine, family dinner, and vegetarian.
What is the description of the final dish?
It is a satisfying and comforting meal with a delicious, melted cheese topping and savory sauce.