Name: Golden Manicotti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 manicotti shells; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; ¼ cup chopped fresh basil; 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought); Salt and pepper to taste

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Golden Manicotti is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration on your dinner table. This festive family feast is perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its creamy filling and rich tomato sauce, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food while also impressing your guests.

The beauty of Golden Manicotti lies in its versatility. It can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your company instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a Sunday dinner with loved ones, this dish promises to bring joy and satisfaction to all who partake. Let’s dive deeper into why this Golden Manicotti Recipe deserves a spot on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Golden Manicotti Recipe: A Festive Family Feast

One of the most compelling reasons you’ll love this Golden Manicotti Recipe is its rich, cheesy filling. The blend of ricotta and mozzarella creates a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavor, making it an instant favorite among both kids and adults alike.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its ease of preparation. Unlike traditional pasta dishes that can be labor-intensive, manicotti allows for a simple assembly process. You can fill the tubes with cheese mixture quickly and bake them in no time, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or festive gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

Golden Manicotti Recipe: A Festive Family Feast ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Golden Manicotti, you’ll need quality ingredients that elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

Manicotti Shells: Large pasta tubes specifically designed to hold fillings; they provide the perfect base for this dish.
Ricotta Cheese: A creamy cheese that adds richness and depth to the filling; it’s essential for achieving that authentic taste.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, providing gooeyness and flavor that complements the ricotta.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Marinara Sauce: A flavorful tomato sauce acts as a base for baking; choose a high-quality or homemade version for better results.
Fresh Basil: Adds freshness and aroma; using fresh herbs elevates the dish significantly.
Egg: Helps bind the cheese filling together, ensuring it holds its shape during baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the manicotti shells and filling.
Cook the manicotti shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the manicotti shells for 7-8 minutes until slightly softened but still firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside.
Create the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Fill the manicotti shells: Using a piping bag or spoon, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture until packed but not overstuffed.
Add marinara sauce: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place filled manicotti shells seam-side down in the dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow cooling slightly before serving.

Expert Tips

If you want to make your Golden Manicotti even more delicious, consider these expert tips. First, always use fresh ingredients whenever possible; fresh basil can make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried herbs. Second, if you prefer a bit more spice, add red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce for an extra kick!

A great way to save time is by preparing your filling in advance; it can be stored in the fridge overnight before assembly day. Lastly, consider making double batches—manicotti freezes well before baking! Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly so no air gets in.

Presentation Ideas

The presentation can elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary! For serving Golden Manicotti, consider placing each portion on individual plates rather than serving from a communal dish. Garnish each plate with additional fresh basil leaves or parsley for color contrast. Drizzling some extra marinara sauce around the plate adds visual appeal while enhancing flavor at every bite!

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of manicotti?

You can substitute manicotti with other tubular pasta like cannelloni or even large shells if desired. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on which type you choose!

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers after enjoying your meal, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days! To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Can I prepare Golden Manicotti ahead of time?

This recipe offers great convenience when prepared ahead! You can assemble everything up until baking and then refrigerate it overnight or freeze it for later use—just remember to adjust baking times when cooking from frozen!

What’s the best way to serve Golden Manicotti?

This delicious dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a side salad for balanced nutrition! A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top right before serving brings out unique flavors while adding an attractive touch!