Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the versatility of manicotti? Look no further! In this article, we will explore a mouthwatering manicotti recipe that showcases the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its delightful flavors and textures.
Manicotti, also known as cannelloni, is a classic Italian dish that consists of pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs. The shells are then topped with a rich tomato sauce and baked to perfection. This dish is not only delicious but also offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
For this manicotti recipe, we will start by preparing the ricotta cheese mixture. Begin by mixing together 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Stir until well combined, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Next, it’s time to prepare the spinach. In a separate pan, sauté 2 cups of fresh spinach in a small amount of olive oil until wilted. Once the spinach is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, chop the spinach into small pieces and add it to the ricotta mixture. Stir until the spinach is well incorporated into the cheese mixture.
Now, it’s time to assemble the manicotti. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your manicotti shells and place them in a baking dish. Fill each shell with the ricotta cheese mixture, making sure to press it down firmly to ensure it stays in place during baking. Once all the shells are filled, pour a layer of your favorite tomato sauce over the top of the shells, covering them completely.
After that, sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the tomato sauce. This will add an extra layer of flavor and a delightful golden crust to the dish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once the manicotti is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set. Serve the manicotti hot, accompanied by a side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy this delicious manicotti recipe with ricotta cheese and savor the delightful flavors that will leave you wanting more.
