Manicotti With Butternut Squash Filling
Creamy butternut squash filling with tender manicotti, topped with melted mozzarella and rich tomato sauce—perfect for a comforting vegetarian Italian meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook manicotti shells until al dente, then rinse in cold water and set aside.
- Steam the butternut squash until tender and mash thoroughly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a sautoir and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add shredded cabbage and brown sugar, cooking until cabbage is wilted.
- Add vegetable stock and mashed squash, cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Stir in ricotta cheese and soy sauce, then remove from heat.
- Load the mixture into a piping bag and fill the cooked manicotti shells.
- Pour heated tomato sauce into a baking dish and place filled manicotti on top.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered at 325°F until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, you can blend the butternut squash mixture instead of mashing it. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works well as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or sage to the filling. Using vegetable stock adds depth, but you can substitute with water if needed. If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a more substantial vegetarian option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty soup. Consider a light drizzle of balsamic reduction on top before serving for added flavor. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of Italian recipes, especially for cozy family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will help maintain the cheese's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti With Butternut Squash Filling contains roughly 1758 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 171g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (319% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2688mg per serving (117% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the butternut squash filling a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to fill the manicotti. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before using it, as it will be easier to pipe into the shells.
What can I use instead of manicotti shells?
If you can't find manicotti shells, you can use large pasta tubes like cannelloni. Alternatively, you can also use lasagna sheets, cutting them to size and rolling them around the filling. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Can I freeze the filled manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze filled manicotti before baking. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they heat through completely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).