Manicotti Filling Recipe (Recipe)

Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that features large, tubular pasta shells filled with a delicious mixture of cheeses and seasonings.

This recipe for homemade manicotti filling is easy to make and guarantees a creamy and authentic flavor that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Creating the perfect manicotti filling can be a challenge, but with this easy recipe, you’ll have no trouble achieving a creamy and flavorful result.

The filling is made with a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, blended together with eggs and a variety of seasonings.

The result is a rich and indulgent filling that complements the tender pasta shells beautifully.

To make the filling, simply combine the cheeses, eggs, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well-combined and then carefully stuff the mixture into the manicotti shells.

Place the filled shells in a baking dish, top with your favorite spaghetti sauce, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Key Takeaways:

• This homemade manicotti filling recipe is easy and perfect for an authentic Italian meal.
• The filling is a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, along with eggs and seasonings.
• Gently stuff the manicotti shells with the cheese mixture and bake until golden brown.
• Serve the manicotti with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftover manicotti can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later enjoyment.

Ingredients and Instructions

To make this Manicotti Filling Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Manicotti pasta
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Spaghetti sauce

Start by cooking the manicotti pasta according to the package instructions and drain it.

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, dried parsley, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.

Gently stuff the manicotti shells with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

Spread some spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, arrange the stuffed shells on top, and pour the remaining sauce over them.

Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes, until bubbly and cooked through.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade manicotti filled with creamy cheese goodness!

Serving and Storage

Once the manicotti is cooked, it’s time to savor its delectable flavors. Serve your homemade manicotti with a variety of mouthwatering side dishes such as warm garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a medley of roasted vegetables. The combination of these dishes will make for an unforgettable Italian feast.

If you have any leftover manicotti, fret not! You can store it in the refrigerator for future enjoyment.

Simply place the remaining manicotti in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to five days. When you’re ready to indulge, you have two options for reheating.

Reheating Manicotti

1. Microwave: For a quick and convenient way to reheat the manicotti, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until the dish is thoroughly warmed.
2. Oven: To achieve a crispier texture, opt for reheating the manicotti in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the manicotti in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

If you’re not planning to enjoy the leftover manicotti within the next few days, you can freeze it for later use.

Freezing Manicotti

First, prepare individual portions of manicotti by tightly wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap. This will prevent freezer burn and maintain the dish’s freshness.

Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for extra protection. Label the container with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen manicotti, follow these steps:

1. Thawing: To thaw the manicotti, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it. Allow it to thaw overnight for the best results.
2. Reheating: Once thawed, you can reheat the manicotti using either the microwave or oven methods mentioned above. Ensure it is heated through before serving.

Tips and Variations

Stuffing manicotti can be a bit challenging, so here are some manicotti stuffing tips to make it easier:

1. Use a long, narrow spoon or a piping bag to gently stuff the shells without breaking them.
2. Try substituting half of the ricotta cheese with drained cottage cheese for added flavor.
3. Enhance the flavor by using fresh herbs such as parsley or basil instead of dried herbs.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations of manicotti fillings. Here are some manicotti variations to consider:

• Add cooked ground meat, such as sausage or beef, to the cheese filling for a heartier option.
• Incorporate chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for added color and texture.
• Use different types of cheeses, such as fontina or gorgonzola, to create a unique flavor profile.

By following these manicotti stuffing tips and exploring various manicotti variations, you can elevate this Italian classic and customize it to your taste preferences. Have fun experimenting and enjoy the delicious results!