Delicious Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti Recipe

Indulge in the rich and cheesy goodness of this classic Italian dish, Cheese-Stuffed Manicotti. This recipe features tender pasta tubes filled with a savory blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection in a homemade marinara sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest. With a preparation time of 45 minutes, you can impress your friends and family with this satisfying and flavorful Italian recipe. It is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. Serve it alongside a green salad and garlic bread to complete the meal.

Ingredients

• 1 package of manicotti pasta shells (approximately 14 shells)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups homemade marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the manicotti pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a creamy filling.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each manicotti shell with the cheese filling. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are fully covered.
7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!

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