Baked Manicotti Recipe Sargento® Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese

Cover Baked Manicotti Mel's Kitchen Cafe (720x720)

Table of Contents

1. What is Manicotti?
2. How to Cook Manicotti?
3. What to Serve with Manicotti?
4. How to Store Manicotti?
5. What are Some Variations of Manicotti?

What is Manicotti?

Manicotti is a classic Italian pasta dish that consists of large tube-shaped noodles filled with a mixture of cheese and sometimes meat or vegetables. The dish is typically baked in the oven and served with a tomato-based sauce. The word manicotti actually means "little sleeves" in Italian, referring to the tube-like shape of the pasta. The dish has become a popular comfort food in many parts of the world and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Filling Options

When it comes to filling manicotti, there are many options to choose from. The most common filling is a mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. However, you can also add meat, such as ground beef or sausage, or vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the filling mixture.

Sauce Options

Manicotti is traditionally served with a tomato-based sauce, such as marinara or Bolognese sauce. However, you can also try a cream-based sauce, such as Alfredo sauce, or a pesto sauce for a different flavor profile.

How to Cook Manicotti?

Cooking manicotti involves a few steps:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. It's important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it in cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the filling mixture. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and any other desired ingredients, such as meat or vegetables.

Step 3: Fill the Pasta

Using a spoon or pastry bag, fill each cooked manicotti noodle with the cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill the noodles, as they may burst during baking.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the filled manicotti noodles in the dish, with the seam side down. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the noodles.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What to Serve with Manicotti?

Manicotti is a filling dish on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:

Bread

Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread alongside your manicotti dish.

Salad

A fresh green salad is a great way to balance the richness of the manicotti. Try a simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Veggies

Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, make a great side dish for manicotti.

How to Store Manicotti?

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place the manicotti in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to reheat them. To reheat the manicotti, preheat the oven to 375°F. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, until heated through.

What are Some Variations of Manicotti?

While traditional manicotti is made with a cheese and tomato sauce filling, there are many variations of this classic dish. Here are a few ideas:

Meat-Filled Manicotti

Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the cheese filling mixture for a heartier version of the dish.

Vegetarian Manicotti

Replace the meat in the filling mixture with sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Seafood Manicotti

Add cooked shrimp or crabmeat to the cheese filling mixture for a seafood twist on the classic dish.

Mexican Manicotti

Replace the Italian flavors with Mexican flavors by using taco seasoning, Monterey Jack cheese, and a chipotle sauce for the filling.

Conclusion

Manicotti is a delicious and filling dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a few simple steps, you can create a classic Italian meal that is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. Whether you prefer traditional tomato sauce or want to try a new filling variation, manicotti is a versatile and satisfying dish that is sure to please.