Creamy Ricotta Manicotti

Creamy Ricotta Manicotti: A Classic Italian American Delight

Ever crave that warm, comforting dish that just screams sunday dinner? well, let me introduce you to my creamy ricotta manicotti recipe .

Honestly, it's like a hug in pasta form! it hits all the spots. it uses tender, homemade crepe style pasta, stuffed with cheesy goodness, and baked to perfection.

It is totally doable.

What is Manicotti Anyway?

Manicotti , at its heart, is an italian american masterpiece. think of it as large pasta tubes, traditionally filled with ricotta cheese and baked in tomato sauce.

This version, though, starts with making delicate crepe like pasta shells. it's rated medium difficulty, takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, and serves 6.

Perfect for a cozy night in or a fall sunday dinner ideas gathering.

Why You'll Love This Manicotti Recipe

One of the best things about this dish? it’s packed with protein thanks to the ricotta, making it a surprisingly satisfying and balanced meal.

Think about it. all that cheesy goodness combined with a homemade tomato sauce. this makes it special. this creamy manicotti recipe is truly a winner and a real treat.

The cheese and tomato pair perfectly!

Getting Started: What You'll Need

Alright, so to whip up this meaty manicotti recipe , you're gonna need a few key things. Here's the lowdown on what to grab from the shops, and how to prepare it.

• For the Crepes: All-purpose flour, milk, eggs, butter, and a pinch of salt.
• Ricotta Filling: Ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, heavy cream, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The secret weapon!
• Tomato Sauce: Olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Manicotti Ever!

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. we're making creamy ricotta manicotti . this ain't just any pasta dish. we're talking comfort food deluxe.

Trust me, you'll be the star of any fall sunday dinner ideas with this beauty.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

So, for the base of the manicotti, you'll need a few things. We're making crepes, which will be the shells of our manicotti, but honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds!

• For the Crepes:

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour.
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) milk.
  • 2 large eggs.
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter, melted.
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt.

• For that dreamy Ricotta Filling: This is where the magic truly happens!

  • 32 ounces (900g) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained. Quality ricotta is key – look for a brand that’s creamy and not watery. Nobody wants a watery manicotti filling!
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated? Always a better shout.
  • 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley.
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream.
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) dried oregano.
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) garlic powder.
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper.

• For the Tomato Sauce: A simple sauce to tie it all together

  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup or 150g).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons).
  • 28 ounces (800g) crushed tomatoes.
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) dried basil.
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) dried oregano.
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) red pepper flakes (optional).
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Symphony

Oregano and basil are the backbones of italian american flavour. don't skip them! for a little extra oomph, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.

If you are after meaty manicotti recipe or a sausage stuffed manicotti recipe, just remember to add a pound of cooked italian sausage to the ricotta.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Non-stick crepe pan or small frying pan (8-10 inch diameter). A well seasoned cast iron skillet works too.
• Whisk. Gotta get those crepe ingredients smooth!
• Mixing bowls.
• 9x13 inch baking dish. For that classic bake.
• Rubber spatula or spoon. For combining and spreading the filling.
• Ladle.

Seriously, that's it. you don’t need a fancy food processor or anything. just basic stuff you probably already have. i promise you don’t need to dump and bake manicotti string cheese for this to be an amazing dish.

Making this manicotti recipe is not as complicated as it looks. so, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking.

Soon you'll be enjoying this italian sausage manicotti, it's one of the best dinner ideas italian i have!

Creamy Ricotta Manicotti: A Classic Italian American Delight

This manicotti recipe brings all that italian american comfort food goodness right to your kitchen. think tender pasta tubes, packed with a creamy, herby ricotta filling, swimming in a simple tomato sauce, and baked till bubbly and golden.

Seriously, it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser! forget the boxed stuff; we're going old school and making the crepe style manicotti ourselves! trust me, it's worth it.

Get Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps

First, essential mise en place , aka get everything ready! It's key to making this process smooth.

• Grab your flour, milk, eggs, ricotta, cheese, and sauce ingredients.
• Chop your parsley and onions, mince the garlic.
• Get that baking dish out and ready to go!

For time saving organization tips , pre-measure all your spices. it's one less thing to worry about. also, drain the ricotta cheese well in advance.

Soggy filling is a big no-no. it's important to know, using high-quality ingredient, directly impacts the flavor of the dish.

A safety reminder : When making the crepes, be careful around the hot pan. Seriously, burns are not fun. Don't be afraid to use potholders.

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Process

Alright, time to get down to business.

1. Make the Crepes: Whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, and salt.
2. Heat a lightly oiled crepe pan over medium heat.
3. Ladle some batter, swirling to coat the pan.
4. Cook until lightly golden, flip, and cook the other side. Stack the crepes.
5. Whip Up the Tomato Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes .
6. Mix the Ricotta Filling: Combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, cream, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
7. Assemble the Manicotti: Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Spread sauce in the dish. Fill each crepe with the ricotta mixture, roll it up, and place it seam side down.
8. Bake it All Up: Pour the remaining sauce over the manicotti , sprinkle with more Parmesan, and bake for 30- 35 minutes , until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for Manicotti Perfection

Okay, listen up, here are some expert techniques . don't overfill the crepes! it makes them a pain to roll and they can burst.

And if you're short on time, you can use pre-made crepes, but honestly, homemade are so much better.

A common mistake to avoid : Not draining the ricotta. Seriously, don't skip that step! Trust me on this one.

make-ahead options? totally! you can assemble the manicotti a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

This make perfect fall sunday dinner ideas .

Honestly, this meaty manicotti recipe is one of my go-to dinner ideas italian . it's so versatile, you can easily throw in some italian sausage manicotti if you're feeling carnivorous.

I've even done a sausage stuffed manicotti recipe before. also, if you're like and love cheese, there's always room for dump and bake manicotti string cheese .

There's nothing like sausage manicotti recipe at the end of a long day.

So, there you have it! a creamy, cheesy, comforting manicotti recipe sausage dish that's sure to become a new favourite.

It's perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your friends. go on, give it a go!

Alright, let's talk about how to really nail this manicotti recipe , shall we? It's more than just following steps; it's about making it yours .

Recipe Notes

Right, so you've got the base of the creamy ricotta manicotti , but let's chat about taking it to the next level, yeah? These are the bits I’ve learned along the way!

Serving Suggestions That Wow

Presentation matters, doesn't it? i like to plate my sausage stuffed manicotti recipe with a swirl of extra tomato sauce.

Then, a sprinkle of fresh basil and some grated parmesan. it looks like you spent ages, but you didn’t!

A simple green salad cuts through the richness. And honestly? Garlic bread is always a winner. Think about a nice Pinot Grigio to complete your dinner ideas italian style!

Storage Tips and Tricks

Right, leftovers. Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They are good for about 3 days. Honestly, they never last that long in my house!

Freezing is an option, too. wrap individual portions tightly in cling film, then foil. thaw overnight in the fridge. to reheat, bake at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.

Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese for the last few minutes.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Want a meaty manicotti recipe ? Brown a pound of Italian sausage manicotti filling and mix it right into that ricotta. Boom! Hearty.

Feeling veggie? Throw in some spinach or mushrooms. Nobody will complain, trust me.

gluten-free? Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. You'll still get those tender crepes!

Nutrition Basics: A Quick Look

Okay, so each serving is around 550 calories. it's got a decent whack of protein, about 30g. good for building muscle, innit? 30g of fat.

Carbs are at 40g. there's some fiber in there, about 3g. sugar comes to about 10g. and, sodium 800mg.

Honestly, the best part is the calcium from all that cheese. Gotta keep those bones strong, eh?

This manicotti recipe sausage is a hug in a pan. so, get cooking! this might become one of your go-to fall sunday dinner ideas .

Honestly, you've got this! and remember, even if it's not perfect, it's homemade and made with love. don't worry about finding dump and bake manicotti string cheese method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the crepes for this manicotti recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the crepes ahead of time is a great way to break up the work. Just stack them between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking, wrap well in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

You can also freeze them for longer storage; just be sure to thaw them completely before filling. It's like having a secret weapon ready for your Italian feast!

My ricotta filling seems watery. What did I do wrong?

A watery ricotta filling is usually caused by excess moisture in the cheese. To avoid this, make sure to drain your ricotta cheese thoroughly before using it. You can do this by placing it in a cheesecloth lined sieve for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge.

It's a bit like squeezing the water out of a sponge essential for a perfectly creamy manicotti filling.

Can I use store-bought manicotti shells instead of making crepes for this manicotti recipe?

You certainly can! While homemade crepes add a lovely touch, using store-bought manicotti shells is a fantastic shortcut, especially if you're short on time. Be sure to cook the shells according to the package instructions before filling them. They often need a little par-boiling to soften them up.

Think of it as the "Ready Steady Cook" version of this classic!

How do I store leftover manicotti, and how long will it last?

Leftover manicotti is fantastic for a quick and easy reheat! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. It's almost better the next day, like a good Sunday roast.

You can also freeze it (see freezing instructions below).

Can I freeze this Manicotti recipe?

Yes, manicotti freezes beautifully! Allow the baked manicotti to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can portion it into freezer safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, or bake from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the cooking time. Perfect for batch cooking like a proper Blue Peter presenter!

What are some variations I can try with this manicotti recipe?

The possibilities are endless! For meat lovers, add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the ricotta filling. Vegetarian? Incorporate chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or provolone, for a cheesier kick.

Consider it your blank canvas for a culinary masterpiece, as Delia Smith would encourage!