Streamlined Manicotti
Ingredients
- TOMATO SAUCE ⓘ
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tbsp) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt (or to taste) ⓘ
- CHEESE FILLING AND PASTA ⓘ
- 3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt (or to taste) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- FOR THE SAUCE:.
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes (if using) in a large saucepan over medium heat until fragrant, but not brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt and simmer until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in basil.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, if needed.
- FOR THE CHEESE FILLING:.
- Combine ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, salt pepper and herbs in medium bowl, set aside.
- TO ASSEMBLE:.
- Pour 1 inch boiling water into 13 x 9-inch broiler safe baking dish.
- Add noodles one at a time.
- Let noodles soak until pliable, about 5 minutes, separating noodles with tip of sharp knife to prevent sticking.
- Remove noodles from water and place in a single layer on clean kitchen towels.
- Discard water in baking dish and dry baking dish.
- Spread bottom of baking dish evenly with 1 1/2 cups sauce.
- Using soupspoon, spread 1/4 cup cheese mixture evenly onto bottom three-quarters of each noodle (with short side facing you), leaving top quarter of noodle exposed.
- Roll into tube shape and arrange in baking dish, seam side down.
- Top evenly with remaining sauce, making certain that pasta is completely covered.
- Cover manicotti with aluminum foil.
- Bake until bubbling, about 40 minutes, then remove foil.
- Remove baking dish, adjust oven rack to uppermost position (about 6 inches from heating element) and heat broiler.
- Sprinkle manicotti evenly with remaining 1 cup Parmesan.
- Broil until cheese is spotty brown, 4 to 6 minutes.
- Remove and cool about 15 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
766
kcal
38% DV
Protein
Fat
Carbs
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
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).