Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible is a delightful pasta dish filled with a rich cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce. This recipe captures the essence of Italian comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or special gatherings. Imagine sinking your fork into tender manicotti shells, bursting with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all enveloped in a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s a dish that promises satisfaction and warmth with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible
This incredible Three Cheese Manicotti is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are six reasons why you’ll adore this dish:
- Easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- Rich in flavor, with three types of cheese delivering a creamy texture.
- Versatile; you can add vegetables or proteins like ground meat.
- Perfect for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeks.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family.
- A classic Italian dish that brings culinary tradition to your table.
With these benefits, you’ll find it’s the best Three Cheese Manicotti dish you can make!
Ingredients for Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible
Gather these items:
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Extra mozzarella cheese for topping (optional)
How to Make Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the manicotti shells for about 6-8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Step 4: Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
- Step 5: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Step 6: Place the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish over the sauce.
- Step 7: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Step 8: Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top, if using.
- Step 9: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 11: Allow the manicotti to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible
Keep these in mind:
- You can add cooked ground meat or sautéed spinach to the cheese filling for added protein and flavor.
- Make sure to cover the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking to keep the cheese from browning too quickly.
- Let the dish rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Ways to Serve Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible
Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
These ideas will elevate your Three Cheese Manicotti experience!
How to Store and Reheat Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible
To store leftovers, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. This makes it a fantastic option for Three Cheese Manicotti meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible
What’s the secret to perfect Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible?
The secret lies in not overcooking the manicotti shells. They should be al dente as they continue to cook in the oven. This ensures they hold their shape and provide the perfect bite.
Can I make Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the manicotti and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible?
To avoid soggy shells, ensure you don’t overfill them and use enough sauce to keep them moist without drowning them. Follow the baking time closely for the best results.
Variations of Three Cheese Manicotti Incredible You Can Try
Feel free to mix things up with these variations:
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian twist.
- Incorporate different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for unique flavors.
- For a protein boost, mix in some cooked ground beef or turkey with the cheese filling.
- Try a creamy white sauce instead of marinara for a rich change.
These twists will make your Three Cheese Manicotti even more incredible!
For more delicious recipes, check out our homemade tomato sauce recipe, which pairs perfectly with this dish. You can also explore our spaghetti with garlic and oil for a delightful side option.
For more tips on Italian cooking, consider visiting Italian Food Forever for authentic recipes and cooking techniques.
PrintThree Cheese Manicotti Incredible Recipe to Savor
Three Cheese Manicotti is a delightful pasta dish filled with a rich cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Extra mozzarella cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the manicotti shells for about 6-8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top, if using.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the manicotti to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked ground meat or sautéed spinach to the cheese filling for added protein and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Leave a Reply