Manicotti Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
612 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Manicotti Recipe
Description
This Manicotti recipe combines a spiced filling made from browned Italian sausage and sautéed onions with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning. The mixture is spooned into cooked, slightly underdone manicotti pasta shells, which hold their shape during the final bake.
The baking dish is prepared with a base layer of marinara sauce, the stuffed pasta shells are neatly arranged on top, and more marinara and mozzarella cheese cover them before baking at 350°F. The casserole bakes until bubbly and heated through, allowing the pasta to finish cooking and the flavors to meld.
Using slightly undercooked pasta facilitates filling without breakage, and the dish can be assembled up to eight hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. High-quality store-bought marinara sauce is recommended for convenience and flavor. Additional bake time may be needed if baking from chilled.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage hot or mild, casings removed
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
For assembly
- 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9"x13" baking dish with cooking spray.
For the filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the sausage in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces.
- Add the onions to the pan. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until onions are softened and sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Place the ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the meat mixture to the ricotta mixture. Stir until well mixed.
For assembly
- Cook the manicotti in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions state. Drain and cool slightly.
- Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the pan.
- Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each manicotti with the meat and cheese mixture.
- Arrange the manicotti in a single layer in the pan. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.
- Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Notes
- Undercook the manicotti shells slightly to make filling easier; they finish cooking during baking.
- Store-bought marinara sauce can be used for convenience; choose a quality brand for best flavor.
- The casserole can be assembled up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerated; add 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 612 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 612kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Cholesterol | 163mg | 54% |
| Sodium | 784mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 676mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1178IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 522mg | 52% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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