When you think of manicotti, you might picture the classic ricotta filling, but there's so much more to investigate. From a nutritious spinach and cheese option to a robust meat lover's version, each recipe brings something unique to the table. Even the mushroom and Alfredo combination offers a rich, earthy taste, while the pesto chicken adds a fresh twist. If you're curious about how these flavors can transform your meals, the next few recipes might just inspire your next dinner.
Classic Ricotta Manicotti
Classic Ricotta Manicotti is a comforting Italian dish that features pasta tubes stuffed with a creamy ricotta cheese filling, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This delightful meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among pasta lovers, and it's surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for both novice and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients:
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, then carefully place the stuffed manicotti in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed spinach or cooked Italian sausage to the ricotta filling.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as adding a bit of ricotta with herbs or using a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra creaminess.
If you're short on time, you can assemble the manicotti ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Enjoy your delicious homemade classic ricotta manicotti!
Spinach and Cheese Manicotti
Spinach and Cheese Manicotti is a delightful Italian dish that brings together tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs, all topped with a rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
This comforting meal not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers a great way to incorporate nutritious greens into your diet. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Extra mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, place the filled manicotti on top, and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
To make your Spinach and Cheese Manicotti even more flavorful, consider adding fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to the cheese mixture.
If you have time, letting the filled manicotti sit in the refrigerator for an hour before baking can improve the flavors.
For a heartier version, mix in some cooked sausage or ground beef with the cheese filling.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist on this classic dish!
Meat Lover's Manicotti
If you're a meat lover, then this Meat Lover's Manicotti recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. This hearty dish features tubular pasta shells stuffed with a savory combination of ground beef, sausage, and ricotta cheese, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.
Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stuff each manicotti shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Place the stuffed manicotti on top of the sauce, and cover with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a more robust flavor, consider adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
If you're short on time, you can use pre-made marinara sauce, but try to choose a high-quality brand for the best taste.
To make the dish even cheesier, feel free to add additional cheese to the filling or on top before baking.
Finally, garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor when serving. Enjoy your delicious Meat Lover's Manicotti!
Mushroom and Alfredo Manicotti
Mushroom and Alfredo Manicotti is a delectable dish that combines the rich flavors of creamy Alfredo sauce with the earthy taste of mushrooms, all enveloped in tender pasta shells. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, as it isn't only comforting but also visually appealing.
The creamy filling, made from a blend of ricotta cheese, mushrooms, and herbs, pairs beautifully with the smooth Alfredo sauce, creating a delightful experience for the palate.
Ingredients:
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped mushrooms, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the mushrooms are soft and liquid has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sautéed mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and dried basil. Stuff each manicotti shell with the mushroom and cheese mixture.
Spread a layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, arrange the stuffed manicotti on top, and cover with the remaining Alfredo sauce. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider sautéing some minced garlic with the mushrooms or mixing in some spinach for a nutritious boost.
If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the dish. To make the preparation easier, you can assemble the manicotti ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread, making it a complete and satisfying meal!
Pesto Chicken Manicotti
Pesto Chicken Manicotti is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender manicotti pasta with a creamy, flavorful filling of chicken and pesto. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful mix of Italian flavors that will surely impress your guests. The dish is baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the cheese on top becomes golden and bubbly.
Ingredients:
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the pesto, seasoning with salt and pepper. Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the chicken and pesto mixture.
Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, then arrange the stuffed shells on top. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
For a more flavorful kick, consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the filling. You can also substitute the shredded chicken with cooked ground turkey or sausage for a different protein option.
If you want to save time, you can prepare the filling and stuff the shells a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Finally, feel free to customize the dish with your favorite cheeses or herbs to improve the entire flavor profile.