authentic italian manicotti recipe
Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that is made up of tube-shaped pasta shells that are stuffed with a mixture of cheese, vegetables, and sometimes meat. It is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a casual family dinner or a special occasion. In this recipe, we will show you how to make manicotti from scratch, using homemade pasta shells and a rich and flavorful filling.
Ingredients:
For the pasta shells:
1. 2 cups of all-purpose flour
2. 2 large eggs
3. 1/2 teaspoon of salt
4. 1/4 cup of water
For the filling:
1. 2 cups of ricotta cheese
2. 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
3. 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
4. 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
5. 1 egg
6. 1/2 teaspoon of salt
7. 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
8. 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
For the sauce:
1. 2 tablespoons of olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 4 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
5. 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
6. 1 teaspoon of dried basil
7. 1/2 teaspoon of salt
8. 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Directions:
1. Make the pasta shells: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and water. Using a fork, gradually mix the flour into the eggs and water until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Roll out the pasta dough on a floured surface until it is thin enough to be easily cut into rectangular pieces. Cut the dough into 4x6 inch rectangles.
5. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta shells in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender. Remove the shells from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
6. Spoon the filling into each pasta shell, about 2-3 tablespoons per shell. Roll up the pasta shells and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
7. Make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are softened and lightly browned. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until it has thickened.
8. Pour the sauce over the stuffed pasta shells in the baking dish, making sure they are fully covered. Sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
9. Bake the manicotti in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove the manicotti from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade manicotti with your favorite salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
