Make-Ahead Manicotti Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 pint ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 manicotti shells
• 1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Directions

Follow these steps to create a delicious manicotti dish:

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and eggs. Mix well until blended.
2. Step 2: Add the thawed spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Carefully stuff the uncooked manicotti shells with the ricotta and spinach mixture, filling them generously.
4. Step 4: Pour cup of the spaghetti sauce into a medium-sized baking dish. Spread it evenly to cover the bottom.
5. Step 5: Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish.
6. Step 6: Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well-covered.
7. Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
8. Step 8: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
9. Step 9: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake, covered, for 40 minutes.
10. Step 10: After 40 minutes, uncover the dish, sprinkle with the remaining cup of Parmesan cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (based on 6 servings per recipe):

• Calories: 507
• Total Fat: 19g (24% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (48% DV)
• Cholesterol: 112mg (37% DV)
• Sodium: 1058mg (46% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 56g (20% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (23% DV)
• Total Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 29g (58% DV)
• Vitamin C: 6mg (6% DV)
• Calcium: 589mg (45% DV)
• Iron: 4mg (21% DV)
• Potassium: 864mg (18% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Make-Ahead Manicotti is a dish that embodies the comforting essence of Italian cuisine. Stuffed with a rich blend of ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella, then covered in savory spaghetti sauce, this recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also makes meal preparation more convenient. Perfect for busy weeknights or large family gatherings, it can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. But where did this dish originate, and how does it differ from other Italian pasta favorites?

History of Manicotti

The origins of manicotti can be traced to Southern Italy, though it has become popular worldwide. The word "manicotti" literally translates to "little sleeves" in Italian, referring to the large, tube-shaped pasta that defines the dish. Traditionally, manicotti was made as a way to use up leftovers, particularly cheese and meat fillings, wrapped in pasta and topped with sauce. It became a staple in Italian-American cuisine during the early 20th century, especially in Italian communities across the United States. The make-ahead variation of manicotti, which allows for the preparation of the dish the day before serving, is a modern adaptation that fits perfectly into busy households.

Regional Variations

Manicotti, while universally loved, can vary greatly depending on the region in Italy or the family's traditions. In Italy, particularly in regions like Naples and Sicily, stuffed pasta dishes such as manicotti are often made with a variety of fillings including ricotta, spinach, and even ground meat. However, in the United States, many recipes call for a cheese-only filling, making it lighter and more vegetarian-friendly. The inclusion of spinach, though popular, is sometimes omitted or replaced with other greens, and the sauce varies from a simple marinara to a more complex, meat-based ragu.

How Does It Differ from Similar Dishes?

Manicotti shares similarities with other stuffed pasta dishes, such as cannelloni and lasagna. However, the key difference lies in the shape and preparation. While cannelloni are also large tubes of pasta, they are often stuffed with ground meat or ricotta and spinach before being covered with sauce and baked. Manicotti, on the other hand, is typically larger and has a more prominent filling-to-pasta ratio. Additionally, lasagna is made by layering sheets of pasta with filling and sauce, whereas manicotti features individually stuffed pasta tubes. The make-ahead version of manicotti offers a unique convenience, as the dish can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a great option for busy cooks.

Where Is Make-Ahead Manicotti Typically Served?

Make-ahead manicotti is a beloved dish in Italian-American households, often served during family gatherings, holidays, and festive meals. Its a popular choice for Sunday dinners, potlucks, and even special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The beauty of the dish lies in its versatility it can be made in advance and served at any time. It pairs well with a simple side salad and garlic bread, making it a complete meal that satisfies a crowd. Additionally, the dish is often found in Italian restaurants, especially those serving hearty, family-style meals.

Interesting Facts About Manicotti

• In the United States, manicotti became popular in the mid-20th century as a convenient, make-ahead dish that could be prepared in advance for busy families.
• The pasta tubes used for manicotti are often larger than those used for cannelloni, giving them the ability to hold more filling.
• Many Italian-American families have their own version of manicotti, with fillings ranging from just cheese to hearty meat-based versions with sausage or ground beef.
• Although the dish is often served with marinara sauce, some variations include bchamel sauce, giving it a creamy and rich texture.
• Manicotti is often made as a "make-ahead" dish, meaning it can be assembled the night before and refrigerated until it's ready to bake, making it an ideal option for meal prepping.

Make-Ahead Manicotti is more than just a meal; it's a taste of tradition with modern convenience. Whether you're looking to make dinner easier for the week or preparing for a holiday feast, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

FAQ about Make-Ahead Manicotti Recipe

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