Every time I make this Three Cheese Stuffed Baked Manicotti, I’m flooded with memories of family gatherings, the laughter of grandchildren, and the comforting aroma wafting through my kitchen. It takes me back to those wonderful Sunday dinners where everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories and enjoying delicious food. The love and warmth that fill my home during these times are truly special, and I want you to experience that too! Once you try this dish, you’ll understand what I mean. Trust me, it’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of togetherness and love.
Now, let’s dive into making this delightful dish together!
Ingredients:
To prepare your Three Cheese Stuffed Baked Manicotti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 manicotti shells: This is the base of our dish, and they’ll need to be cooked just enough to hold the cheese filling.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich, ricotta adds a soft texture that balances beautifully with the other cheeses.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: This cheese gives that lovely, gooey quality we all adore. Trust me; it’s a must-have for that stretchy cheese topping!
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adding a hint of sharpness, Parmesan gives depth of flavor and that golden topping we all love.
- 4 cloves garlic, roasted and minced: Roasted garlic gives a warm, mellow flavor that enhances the cheesy filling perfectly.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The heart of this dish! It adds moisture and beautiful tomato flavors that tie everything together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A touch of olive oil brings everything together and adds a lovely richness to the filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of all your amazing ingredients.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): I love adding a bit of fresh basil for a pop of color and a fragrant finish!
If you can’t find manicotti shells, you can use jumbo shells as a substitute, but I promise you, manicotti holds the filling a bit better. Also, feel free to mix and match cheeses according to what you have at home!
How to make Three Cheese Stuffed Baked Manicotti
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key because it gives you that ideal temperature to bake the manicotti, ensuring everything cooks evenly and becomes beautifully bubbly.
Step 2: Boil Your Manicotti Shells
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s rolling, carefully place your manicotti shells in, and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes. You want them to be al dente since they’ll finish cooking in the oven later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
While the shells are cooking, let’s whip up that delicious cheese filling! In a big mixing bowl, combine your ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and roasted garlic. Season this mixture with a little salt and pepper. I like to use my hands to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You’re going to love the aroma; it’s so inviting!
Step 4: Fill the Manicotti Shells
Once your shells are cooked and cooled enough to handle, it’s time to stuff them! Gently take a spoon and fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. It can get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun! Don’t worry about overfilling; it will just enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Layer with Marinara Sauce
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom; this prevents the shells from sticking and adds tremendous flavor! Once the bottoms are covered, place your stuffed manicotti upright in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Now, cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the moisture in. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. This is always the time I look forward to; the aroma fills the kitchen!
Step 7: Uncover and Add Cheese
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. The smell will be divine! Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, then return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! You want it to be bubbly and just turning golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once it’s done, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes—this is important so the filling sets. You don’t want to burn your mouth on that delicious cheesy goodness! Garnish with fresh basil if you’d like. It always adds such a lovely touch of color and flavor.
Why I Love Making This Dish
I find immense joy in making this Three Cheese Stuffed Baked Manicotti, not just for the flavors but for the memories it evokes. Each time I prepare it, I think of my family gathering around the table, chatting and laughing—food is such a beautiful way to bring people together. Plus, it’s a dish that’s always a hit; I’ve never had anyone turn down a serving of manicotti!
What You’ll Need
To make this dish, you’ll need a few kitchen tools:
- A large pot for boiling the pasta
- A baking dish (I recommend a 9×13 inch)
- Mixing bowls for the cheese filling
- Aluminum foil for covering
- A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
Having everything at hand makes the process smoother and much more enjoyable!
Tips for Perfect Results
- If you want to add a little extra flavor, consider mixing in some chopped spinach into your cheese filling; it’s a delightful way to sneak in some veggies!
- Make sure not to overcook the manicotti shells when boiling them—al dente is your best friend here. They will cook more in the oven, ensuring they don’t become mushy.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce. Your dish will only be as good as the sauce, so choose one you love or even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
I love serving my Three Cheese Stuffed Baked Manicotti with a simple side salad—the freshness of the greens cuts through the richness of the cheese. A nice garlic bread on the side is always a hit, too! The crispy bread pairs so perfectly with the saucy pasta.
Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I rarely do!), storing them is easy. Just place the remaining manicotti in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll last about 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until they’re heated through, or you can even microwave them if you’re in a hurry.
FAQ Section
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment. You can use a blend of your favorite cheeses, such as gouda or fontina, for a fun twist.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything and keep it covered in the fridge for a day before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Definitely! Just prep the entire dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
This Three Cheese Stuffed Baked Manicotti has become a cherished dish in my home, and I am so excited for you to try it! I can already see the smiles on your family’s faces as they dig in. It’s cozy, comforting, and utterly delicious. You’re going to love how simple it is to make, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me. Let me know how it turns out, and if your loved ones ask for seconds, just like mine do every time—well, that’s just the icing on the cake!