Three Cheese Manicotti

$- 12 manicotti shells - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated - 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for drizzling - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish To make a great Three Cheese Manicotti, you need quality ingredients. The manicotti shells hold the cheese filling well, making them perfect for this dish. Ricotta cheese gives a creamy base that complements the other cheeses. Shredded mozzarella adds a melty texture, while grated parmesan gives a nice sharp flavor. For the sauce, you can use homemade marinara or a store-bought option. Choose what suits your time and taste. The beaten egg helps bind the cheese filling. Fresh or dried basil adds an aromatic touch. Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness, and fresh herbs make a lovely garnish. If you want to dive deeper into the cooking process, check out the Full Recipe for Three Cheese Manicotti Delight! - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. - Drain them and let them cool for a bit. This helps when filling. - In a big bowl, mix ricotta, ¾ cup of mozzarella, and half of the parmesan. - Add the beaten egg, chopped basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Stir until the mix is smooth and creamy. This is the heart of our dish. - Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill each manicotti shell. - Be careful not to overstuff; this keeps the filling from spilling out. - Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. - Place the filled shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. - Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells evenly. - Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. - Drizzle a little olive oil over everything for extra flavor. - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. - Check that the cheese is bubbling and golden. After this, your three cheese manicotti will be ready to enjoy! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To enjoy a great manicotti, pay attention to the shells. Cook the manicotti shells just until they are al dente. If you overcook them, they can break easily. After cooking, let them cool slightly. This makes filling easier. Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill each shell. Be sure not to overstuff them. If you overfill, the cheese will ooze out while baking. Manicotti pairs well with simple sides. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette is a great choice. Garlic bread adds a nice crunch and flavor. For drinks, consider a glass of red wine. Chianti or Merlot suit the dish well and enhance the flavors. To boost flavor, add herbs to your filling. Fresh basil or parsley brings freshness. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. If you want a different sauce, consider pesto instead of marinara. A creamy alfredo sauce can also be delightful. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavors by using different cheeses. Try feta for a tangy twist. Blend in some goat cheese for creaminess. You can also add veggies like spinach or mushrooms. This adds nutrition and flavor. Simply chop them and mix them in the cheese filling. Switching sauces can elevate your manicotti. A creamy white sauce gives a rich taste. You might prefer pesto for a bright, herby flavor. If you like heat, try a spicy marinara. Just add red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce for a kick. For vegetarian options, ensure all products are meat-free. You can use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free dish. If gluten is a concern, look for gluten-free manicotti shells. They work just as well and taste great. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. Explore these variations to make your Three Cheese Manicotti truly your own! For more details, check out the full recipe. When you have leftover Three Cheese Manicotti, store it right. Use an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Place the manicotti in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It lasts up to three days in the fridge. Just remember to keep the marinara sauce with it for extra moisture. Freezing manicotti is easy. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Follow that with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date and type of dish. You can freeze it for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen manicotti, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For the best results, reheat it in the oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 30 minutes. Check that it’s hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy the creamy goodness! To prevent the manicotti from breaking, handle them gently. Cook the shells in salted water until they are al dente. Avoid overcooking, as this makes them soft. After cooking, drain the shells and rinse them with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools them down. Let them cool slightly before filling. Use a light touch when filling them to keep their shape. Yes, you can make manicotti ahead of time. Prepare the dish as usual, but do not bake it. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and cover it with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through. This makes for a great meal prep option. If you need cheese substitutes, there are options available. You can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter choice. For mozzarella, consider using vegan cheese if you want a dairy-free option. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Parmesan can be replaced with a nut-based cheese for a similar taste. Always check for any allergens. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Look for gluten-free manicotti shells at your local store. They are often made from rice or quinoa flour. Make sure to check the label to confirm they are gluten-free. If you cannot find shells, try using zucchini or eggplant slices as a substitute. They provide a great flavor and keep the dish healthy. Three Cheese Manicotti blends cheesy goodness with rich marinara sauce. We covered each step, from the key ingredients to baking tips. You can make variations and even adjust for dietary needs. Remember, the right cheese and filling methods make a big difference. Enjoying this dish is all about flavor. With the tips shared, you can create the perfect meal. Try experimenting with your own twist on it. This dish will surely impress!$

Three Cheese Manicotti

Delight your taste buds with this Three Cheese Manicotti recipe! Filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Learn how to cook the manicotti shells, prepare the cheese filling, and bake it all to cheesy perfection. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this comforting meal is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

12 manicotti shells

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for drizzling

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Vorbereitung: Heize deinen Ofen auf 375°F (190°C) vor.

Manicotti kochen: Koche die Manicotti-Schalen gemäß den Anweisungen auf der Verpackung, bis sie al dente sind. Achte darauf, sie nicht zu lange zu kochen. Nach dem Abgießen, lasse sie leicht abkühlen, damit du sie befüllen kannst.

Käsemischung zubereiten: In einer großen Rührschüssel vermenge die Ricotta-Käse, ¾ Tasse der Mozzarella-Käse, die Hälfte des Parmesan-Käses, das geschlagene Ei, gehacktes Basilikum, Knoblauchpulver sowie eine Prise Salz und Pfeffer. Rühre die Mischung gut um, bis sie cremig und gleichmäßig ist.

Füllen der Manicotti: Verwende einen Spritzbeutel oder einen Löffel, um jede Manicotti-Schale sanft mit der Käsemischung zu befüllen. Achte darauf, sie nicht zu überfüllen, damit die Füllung beim Backen nicht herausquillt.

Aufbau der Schichten: Lege eine dünne Schicht Marinara-Sauce auf den Boden einer 9x13 Zoll großen Auflaufform. Platziere die gefüllten Manicotti-Schalen nebeneinander in einer einzigen Schicht darauf.

Sauce und Käse hinzufügen: Gieße die restliche Marinara-Sauce gleichmäßig über die gefüllten Manicotti. Streue die verbliebene Mozzarella- und Parmesan-Käse-Mischung gleichmäßig darüber.

Öl beträufeln: Träufle ein wenig Olivenöl über das gesamte Gericht, um den Geschmack zu intensivieren und ein Ankleben zu vermeiden.

Backen: Decke die Auflaufform mit Aluminiumfolie ab und backe sie im vorgeheizten Ofen für 25 Minuten. Entferne anschließend die Folie und backe weitere 15 Minuten, oder bis der Käse an der Oberfläche sprudelnd und goldbraun ist.

Servieren: Lass das Gericht nach dem Backen für etwa 5 Minuten ruhen, bevor du es servierst. Garniere die Manicotti vor dem Servieren mit frischem Basilikum oder Petersilie für eine ansprechende Optik.