Delightful Authentic Italian Manicotti Recipe to Savor

The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace as you prepare to indulge in authentic Italian manicotti. Each tender crepe cradles a luscious filling, promising a delightful explosion of flavors. Picture this: cheesy goodness mingling with fresh herbs, all topped with a rich tomato sauce that dances on your taste buds like a grand Italian opera.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a cherished memory from my childhood. I remember when my Nonna would whip up her famous manicotti every Sunday, her kitchen filled with laughter and the clinking of plates. It was an occasion for family gatherings, where we’d savor each bite and share stories around the table, making it the highlight of our week.

Ingredients for authentic Italian manicotti

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

• Manicotti Shells: Look for large shells that can hold generous amounts of filling. You can find them in most grocery stores.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture that pairs beautifully with marinara sauce.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This will melt beautifully over the manicotti, adding gooey goodness to each bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor profile, giving your dish that authentic Italian touch.
• Fresh Herbs (Basil & Parsley): Using fresh herbs elevates the flavor. Chop them finely for maximum impact!
• Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade—just ensure it’s packed with flavor to complement the filling.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the filling together, ensuring every bite is cohesive and delicious.

For the Sauce:

• Crushed Tomatoes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a rich base; they add depth to your marinara.

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

How to Make authentic Italian manicotti

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Create the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, eggs, chopped basil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined; you want it creamy yet thick enough to fill those shells without a messy overflow.

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Carefully spoon or pipe your cheese mixture into each manicotti shell using a pastry bag or zip-top bag with one corner cut off. Don’t be shy; fill them generously! Place filled shells in a baking dish lined with some marinara sauce at the bottom.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Cover your stuffed shells with more marinara sauce (feel free to be generous here), then sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. It’s like giving your pasta babies a warm blanket before they go into the oven!

Step 5: Bake

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked to perfection, let it cool slightly before serving. Transfer to plates and garnish with extra herbs if desired for that chef’s kiss finish.

Now grab your fork because this comforting plate of authentic Italian manicotti awaits you! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about family gatherings or creating new memories around your table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the manicotti shells until just al dente. While they cool, prepare the ricotta filling and simmer the marinara sauce separately. Then, fill the shells with the mixture and layer them in a baking dish, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese if that’s what you have on hand. Add spinach or herbs to the filling for an extra flavor boost. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for that personal flair.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, cover the baked manicotti tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, bake at 350°F until heated through, adding a splash of marinara if it seems dry.

Sometimes I think my friends love my authentic Italian manicotti more than they love me! I’ll never forget their faces when they took that first bite—pure bliss. What can I say? It’s love at first fork!

FAQs

What is authentic Italian manicotti?

Authentic Italian manicotti refers to a traditional pasta dish made with large tubular pasta shells that are filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and spinach or other ingredients. The filled shells are then baked in a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with cheese. This dish is cherished for its rich flavors and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions in Italy.

How do I make the filling for authentic Italian manicotti?

To create the filling for authentic Italian manicotti, mix ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, fresh herbs like basil and parsley, and a pinch of salt. You can also add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Blend these ingredients until smooth, then stuff the mixture into the cooked pasta shells before baking them in sauce.

Can I freeze authentic Italian manicotti?

Yes, you can freeze authentic Italian manicotti either before baking or after it has been cooked. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight container. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after cooking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping and storing.

What sauces pair well with authentic Italian manicotti?

While marinara sauce is a popular choice for authentic Italian manicotti, you can also experiment with other sauces such as Alfredo or pesto. A simple olive oil and garlic sauce can complement the flavors beautifully as well. The key is to choose a sauce that enhances the filling without overpowering it, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

Conclusion for authentic Italian manicotti

Authentic Italian manicotti is a delightful dish that combines pasta with a delicious cheese filling. By using quality ingredients like ricotta and mozzarella, along with fresh herbs, you can create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe embodies traditional Italian cuisine. With easy-to-follow steps for both preparation and cooking, you’ll enjoy every bite of this comforting classic.

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Authentic Italian Manicotti

• Author: Camiliya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Savor the comforting flavors of authentic Italian manicotti, featuring tender pasta shells stuffed with creamy ricotta and smothered in rich marinara sauce—perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 large manicotti shells
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and place on parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, eggs, chopped basil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and thick enough to fill the shells.
4. Carefully spoon or pipe the filling mixture into each manicotti shell.
5. Spread some marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish and arrange the filled shells on top.
6. Cover filled shells with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with extra herbs if desired.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 manicotti (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the filling. You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese if preferred. Allow the dish to rest after baking for better consistency when serving.