Speedy Weeknight Manicotti
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for proper Italian comfort food? This Quick and Easy Manicotti for dinner is exactly what you need. Cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying with a classic ricotta filling.
Brief Overview
Manicotti, meaning "sleeves," is a classic Italian American baked pasta dish. This simplified version ditches fussy homemade pasta. It’s a simple manicotti recipe that’s ready in under an hour, feeds six, and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Main Benefits
This Ricotta Manicotti recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein. It's the perfect Italian comfort food recipe for a cosy night in, or wowing friends, or even as a freezer friendly option.
What makes this recipe special? It uses easy to find ingredients!
Okay, right then! Let's get this lark sorted, shall we? After giving it a good think, here's my list of the ten best , blending what's there with some fresh ones to make sure we're spot-on for a cracking search engine result: Easy manicotti recipe, Ricotta manicotti, Oven ready manicotti, Manicotti with spinach, Quick weeknight dinner, Italian comfort food recipe, Baked manicotti, Simple manicotti recipe, Manicotti filling variations and Homemade manicotti sauce .
On with this deliciousness!
What You'll Need
For the Filling:
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 10 ounces Frozen chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
- 1 Large egg
- 1/4 cup Chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1/2 Medium onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Sugar
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 oven ready manicotti shells
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella
Honestly? I was blown away with the flavours in my Easy manicotti recipe . The creamy ricotta cheese and vibrant spinach filling paired with the tangy tomato sauce makes it feel like you are in Italy, Homemade manicotti sauce brings the flavour and heart that is often missing in commercial pasta sauces.
You know? If you fancy it, adding a pinch of chilli flakes into the recipe could really elevate the Baked manicotti .
Ingredients & Equipment for Quick and Easy Manicotti
Okay, right then! Let's get this lark sorted, shall we? After giving it a good think, here's my list of the ten best .
It includes what's there with some fresh ones to make sure we're spot-on for a cracking search engine result, so you can easily find our Easy manicotti recipe , our take on Ricotta manicotti , and even how to use Oven ready manicotti !
Main Ingredients: Your Shopping List Sorted
Making Quick and Easy Manicotti for a weeknight dinner doesn't need a long list. Here's what you'll need.
Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) . Get the good stuff! Whole milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture. Honestly, I've tried using the low-fat version, and it just isn't the same.
It's worth the splurge for the real deal.
Frozen Spinach: 10 ounces (280g) . Thawed and squeezed DRY . This is crucial . Soggy spinach ruins everything!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) . Plus, extra for topping. You know? Because cheese.
Egg: 1 large . Lightly beaten.
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (60ml) , chopped. Adds a lovely freshness.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
Salt and Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon each, or to taste. Seasoning is everything, darling!
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons .
Onion: 1/2 medium , finely chopped (about 1/2 cup).
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces (794g) .
Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon .
Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon .
Sugar: 1/4 teaspoon . Just to balance the acidity.
Salt and Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon each, or to taste.
Oven Ready Manicotti Shells: 12 shells (about 8 ounces/225g) . I swear by these!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (100g) .
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up a Bit
Let's face it; seasoning can make or break a dish. Don't skip it.
The Italian seasoning blend (basil, oregano) is essential. It provides that classic Italian comfort food recipe flavor. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
A good pinch! If you're not feeling the garlic powder, use fresh minced garlic in the filling. Oh my gosh, it's amazing! Quick substitution? Use Italian seasoning if you're short on individual spices.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid
You really don't need fancy gadgets for this Simple manicotti recipe .
- Large bowl: For mixing the filling. Obvious, right?
- Medium saucepan: For the sauce.
- 9x13 inch baking dish: Perfect for baking.
- Spoon or piping bag: For filling the shells. (A spoon works just fine!)
That's it! No need to raid the kitchen shop. You've got this. Let’s face it, we are looking for an Baked manicotti recipe here, so the oven is important.
Right then! Let's get this Quick and Easy Manicotti for dinner sorted, shall we? After giving it a good think, here's my list of the best to get a cracking search engine result.
We are talking about a hearty dish that fills up bellies without too much fuss.
Get Ready for Manicotti Magic!
Honestly, sometimes you just crave that proper Italian comfort food recipe, you know? Something warm, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying. And honestly, don't we always try to find simple manicotti recipe to treat ourselves? That's where this Quick and Easy Manicotti for weeknight dinners comes in!
It's a total lifesaver when you need something impressive but don't fancy spending hours in the kitchen.
Think easy manicotti recipe heaven without all the hard work. Let's start with prepping the kitchen and ingredients.
Prep Steps
- Essential Mise en Place: Get your ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper all measured out and ready to go for the filling. For the sauce, chop your onion and garlic. Line up your crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Basically, everything needs to be ready before you even turn on the hob!
- Time Saving Organization Tips: Use pre-grated Parmesan and mozzarella, Oh my gosh! this saves so much time. Thaw that frozen spinach in the microwave for a minute or two for super speedy thawing. Honestly, microwave is a gift.
- Safety Reminders: Be careful squeezing that spinach! Boiling water is hot; remember use oven gloves. Use your brain and don't burn yourself! That’s about it.
step-by-step Process
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes , stirring occasionally.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fill the Shells: Spoon the ricotta mixture into each oven ready manicotti shell.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
- Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes . Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tips
- The Secret to Ultra Creamy Manicotti: Don't skimp on the ricotta! Use full fat ricotta for the best flavor and texture, but remember to strain it! It makes sure the filling is extra creamy and not watery.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Overfilling the shells! The filling will explode everywhere. Don't say I didn't warn you.
- make-ahead Option: Assemble the manicotti and sauce ahead of time, then bake it just before serving. You can even freeze it for a super quick meal later on.
Okay, I reckon that should get you started. Ricotta manicotti is my family's favorite. Now, go whip up some oven ready manicotti and enjoy a bit of Italian comfort food recipe.
Let's get started!
Recipe Notes: Your Manicotti Masterclass!
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Want to make your Quick and Easy Manicotti for any night of the week, even more awesome? These are my top tips for making sure it’s a total winner.
Honestly, these are the things I've learned from making this dish way too many times!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, presentation is key! I like to arrange the manicotti on a plate with a generous spoonful of the tomato sauce.
A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a lovely pop of colour. For sides, garlic bread is a must, obviously! And a simple green salad keeps things balanced.
I usually opt for a glass of red wine too!
Storage Tips: make-ahead Like a Boss
Refrigerating: This manicotti keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container. Honestly, leftovers are almost better the next day!
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in foil and then pop it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months.
I recommend defrosting it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. You can also microwave it if you're in a real hurry, but baking gives better results.
Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!
Vegetarian Version: Loads of people asked about veggie ideas. Why not add some roasted veggies? Mushrooms, courgettes, and peppers work a treat.
dairy-free Adaptation: For a dairy-free twist, use a plant based ricotta alternative. It won't be exactly the same, but still tasty!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This Italian comfort food recipe provides a good source of protein and calcium, thanks to the ricotta cheese. Spinach adds iron and vitamins.
Keep in mind the estimated nutrition information: 450 calories, 25g protein, 25g fat, 35g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 8g sugar, and 700mg sodium.
(These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
So there you have it! With these notes, your simple manicotti recipe is bound to be a success. Now go on, give it a go and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Quick and Easy Manicotti for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Just double or triple the ingredients based on the number of servings you need. You may need to use multiple baking dishes or a very large roasting pan. Baking time may also need to be adjusted slightly, so keep a close eye on it!
My oven ready manicotti shells are cracking when I try to fill them. What am I doing wrong?
Cracked shells can be a bit of a bother, innit? First, make sure you're not overfilling them a little goes a long way. You might also try very lightly moistening the shells with water before filling to make them more pliable.
Using a piping bag can also help to evenly distribute the filling without putting too much pressure on the shell.
How long can I store leftover Quick and Easy Manicotti for, and how should I reheat it?
Leftover manicotti will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. To reheat, you can pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. A splash of water when microwaving will prevent it from drying out, bless it.
Can I freeze this manicotti, and if so, what's the best way to do it?
Yes, this manicotti freezes brilliantly! Assemble the dish as instructed, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Alternatively, you can bake it straight from frozen, but this will take longer and you'll want to keep it covered with foil for most of the baking time to prevent the cheese from burning.
I'm vegetarian, any tips to make this recipe even more veggie friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but to add more veggies, consider including finely chopped courgette, mushrooms or bell peppers to the ricotta filling. You could even add a layer of roasted vegetables beneath the manicotti shells before baking.
Also, ensure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian friendly, as some use animal rennet.
Speedy Weeknight Manicotti
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
