Easy Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
Easy Ina Garten Stuffed Manicotti Recipe is a comforting, cheesy Italian pasta dish that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing the dish
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Boil the Manicotti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook manicotti shells until al dente. Drain carefully and let cool.
Prepare Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stuff the Manicotti
- Carefully fill each shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta.
Spread Sauce in Dish
- Pour half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Spread evenly to cover the base.
Arrange the Manicotti
- Place the stuffed shells side by side in the baking dish on top of the sauce. Make sure they fit snugly but don’t break.
Add Remaining Sauce
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top of the manicotti. Spread to cover all shells evenly.
Bake the Manicotti
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes for a golden top.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or extra Parmesan over the baked manicotti. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Boil manicotti carefully; overcooking makes them tear easily.
- Add spinach to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use a piping bag for easier and neater filling.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone for a slightly different taste.
- Add cooked Italian sausage to the filling for a meaty version.
- Use homemade marinara for richer, fresher flavor.
- Let the baked pasta rest five minutes before serving.