Irresistible Authentic Italian Manicotti Recipe to Try Now

The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce mingling with melting cheese wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy Italian trattoria. Bite into the tender pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, and you’ll understand why authentic Italian manicotti is a timeless classic that warms the soul. perfect side for pasta creamy lasagna roll-ups similar stuffed pasta dish.

I still remember the first time I tried to impress my friends with this dish during a dinner party. Little did I know, I’d spend more time cleaning up spilled sauce than actually cooking, but the joy on their faces made it all worth it!

I’ll never forget the look on my best friend’s face when she took her first bite of my manicotti masterpiece—it was pure bliss!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Manicotti Pasta: Choose large pasta tubes; they should be sturdy enough to hold your delicious filling without tearing.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole-milk ricotta for creaminess; it’s essential for that rich filling texture.
• Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach instead of frozen; it adds vibrancy and a delightful crunch.
• Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought sauce saves time, but homemade is always a hit if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Look for whole milk mozzarella for maximum meltiness; it’s the gooey topping everyone loves!
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan elevates the dish with its nutty flavor—don’t skip this step!
• Eggs: These help bind your filling together, ensuring each bite holds its shape.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook manicotti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and let cool slightly.

Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh spinach, eggs, half of the mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until creamy and combined.

Fill Your Manicotti: Using a spoon or pastry bag, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the ricotta mixture. Don’t overstuff! Leave some space at both ends.

Add Marinara Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange filled manicotti in a single layer on top. Pour remaining sauce over them generously.

Top with Cheese!: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover with aluminum foil—this keeps everything moist and cheesy while baking.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Now you have your very own authentic Italian manicotti ready for devouring! The rich flavors meld beautifully as you dig in, making every bite an experience worth relishing. hearty comfort food option Trust me—your friends will think you’re a culinary genius!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve divine authentic Italian manicotti, prepare the sauce first, cook the pasta while it simmers, then stuff the manicotti tubes before baking. This method ensures everything comes together seamlessly. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for an extra veggie boost. A sprinkle of nutmeg can elevate flavors and surprise your taste buds!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover manicotti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through—about 20 minutes.

Sharing my first time making authentic Italian manicotti still brings a smile to my face. I served it at a family gathering, and everyone kept coming back for more!

FAQ

Can I make authentic Italian manicotti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What can I substitute for ricotta in the filling?

Cottage cheese or cream cheese works well as a ricotta alternative.

How do I prevent my manicotti from breaking during cooking?

Cook pasta only until al dente; overcooked pasta breaks easily when stuffing.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Authentic Italian Manicotti

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Makes 6 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the comforting delight of authentic Italian manicotti filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, all enveloped in rich marinara sauce and bubbling mozzarella. This easy-to-follow recipe brings a taste of Italy to your dinner table, perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings. With vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture, each bite is a celebration of traditional Italian cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 12 large manicotti pasta tubes
• 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook manicotti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
2. In a bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, egg, half of the mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Mix until creamy.
3. Fill each manicotti tube with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or pastry bag.
4. Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place filled manicotti in a single layer and pour remaining sauce over them.
5. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil to retain moisture while baking.
6. Bake covered for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 manicotti (200g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 100mg