Name: Homemade Baked Manicotti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 package of manicotti pasta shells; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this homemade baked manicotti recipe. This classic Italian dish features stuffed pasta tubes filled with a cheesy and flavorful ricotta filling, smothered in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that will leave everyone wanting more. With a total preparing time of 60 minutes, you can whip up this satisfying dish for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. This recipe falls under the Italian cuisine and is perfect for pasta lovers.

Ingredients

1 package of manicotti pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the manicotti pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cooked manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Place the filled shells in a greased baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the marinara sauce and water until well combined. Pour the sauce over the stuffed manicotti shells, making sure all the shells are covered.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the homemade baked manicotti hot and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

Manicotti is a traditional Italian pasta dish that translates to "little shirts" in Italian, referring to the cylindrical shape of the pasta.

The origin of manicotti can be traced back to the region of Campania in Italy, where it is commonly served during special occasions and holidays.

While the classic filling for manicotti is ricotta cheese, variations can include spinach, meat, or a combination of different cheeses.

Baking the manicotti in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and creates a deliciously cheesy and gooey dish.

Manicotti is often served as a main course but can also be enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer.