Ricotta Mix For Giant Shells Or Manicotti
This cheesy filling for giant shells or manicotti combines ricotta, mozzarella, Romano, eggs, and herbs for a rich, flavorful dish. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it offers a hearty, satisfying meal with a creamy texture and savory taste, baked to perfection with a tomato sauce topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, shredded Romano cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic well to form the cheese mixture.
- Cook 1 pound of shells or manicotti in boiling water for 5 to 6 minutes until they are on the hard side.
- Drain the pasta and run cold water over it to stop the cooking process.
- Pour some of your favorite spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Use a spoon or pastry bag to fill each shell or manicotti with the cheese mixture.
- Place the filled shells or manicotti side by side in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
- Pour additional spaghetti sauce over the filled pasta as desired.
- Sprinkle with Romano cheese on top.
- Cover the dish and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some finely chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese mixture. You can substitute the Romano cheese with Parmesan if preferred. If you want a bit more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile. Ensure the shells are not overcooked to prevent tearing during filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed shells or manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Chicken Or Veal Marsala or a light Pesto And Sundried Pasta, which can complement the richness of the cheese filling.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ricotta Mix For Giant Shells Or Manicotti contains roughly 327 calories, with 13g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1430mg per serving (62% 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 ricotta mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ricotta mixture a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to fill the shells. This can save time on the day you plan to serve the dish.
What can I use if I don't have shells or manicotti?
If you can't find shells or manicotti, you can use lasagna noodles as a substitute. Just cook them al dente, fill them with the ricotta mixture, and roll them up before placing them in the baking dish.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can enhance the nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers to the cheese mixture. These additions will not only boost flavor but also add extra nutrients.
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).