Description
A comforting pasta dish filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, topped with zesty marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill each manicotti noodle with the cheese mixture, using a small spoon or piping bag for the best results.
- Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Place the filled manicotti on top of the sauce, and then pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the noodles, completely covering them.
- Sprinkle the additional mozzarella cheese on top for that gooey, cheesy finish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
For best results, use al dente noodles and allow for some cheese expansion during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian