Hey there! I’m super excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort foods with you: Three Cheese Manicotti. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing your friends without spending hours in the kitchen!
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: It’s packed with a glorious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese16. What’s not to love?
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: Seriously, the most challenging part is stuffing the noodles, and I’ve got a trick for that!
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: Everyone I’ve ever made this for has raved about it. It’s a guaranteed hit!
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: Feel free to tweak it with your favorite ingredients. I’ll share some fun ideas below.
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: 20 minutes
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: 30 minutes
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: 6-8 people
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8 ounces manicotti shells1
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4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided1
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2 cups ricotta cheese1
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1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated1
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced1
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1 large egg1
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2 tablespoons dried basil1
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1 jar (26 ounces) pasta sauce1
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish1.
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: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until they’re al dente. You want them soft enough to handle but still firm1. Drain the pasta and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking1.
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: In a bowl, combine 3 cups of mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, and dried basil1. Mix well until everything is nicely blended.
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: This is where my little trick comes in handy! You can spoon the cheese mixture into the cooked manicotti noodles, but I find it much easier (and cleaner) to use a zip-top bag12. Just fill the bag with the cheese mixture, snip off a corner, and pipe the filling into each noodle1.
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: Spread about 2 cups of pasta sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish1. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish, and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top1.
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: Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden1.
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: Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve immediately. Get ready for the compliments!
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: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the manicotti perfectly3.
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: Because who can resist warm, garlicky bread with a cheesy pasta dish?3
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: Add some roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus for a healthy touch.
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: Brown some ground beef, sausage, or turkey, mix it with your favorite spaghetti sauce, and use it as a base or topping1. You can also add shredded chicken to the cheese mixture1.
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: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or sauce for a little heat.
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: Try using cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a slightly different flavor and texture3.
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: Stir some pesto into the tomato sauce for an extra layer of flavor4. Sun-dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade can also be used4.
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Calories: 450-550 per serving
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Protein: 25-30g
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Carbohydrates: 40-50g
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Fat: 20-25g
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
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Absolutely! Assemble the manicotti, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
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Yes, you can. Let the manicotti cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
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You can use large pasta shells (like jumbo shells) or even cannelloni shells as a substitute.
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Tossing them in a little olive oil after draining does the trick1!
Enjoy your homemade Three Cheese Manicotti! I hope this becomes a favorite in your household as it is in mine. Happy cooking!
