Manicotti Pan Size: What's Best?

Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish that uses large noodles or thin crepes (crespelle) stuffed with different kinds of cheeses. The pasta tubes are stuffed with cheese and baked in the oven. The size of the pan you will need depends on the number of manicotti you are making. For example, a 9 x 13 (22.8cm x 33cm) baking dish should be enough for 12 manicotti tubes. If you are making a larger amount, you may need a bigger pan.

Manicotti filling ideas

Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish that uses large noodles or thin crepes (crespelle) stuffed with different kinds of fillings. The fillings are usually a combination of cheeses, meats, or greens. Here are some ideas for Manicotti fillings:

Three-Cheese Filling:

A classic Manicotti filling combines ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This filling is simple yet delicious and can be made even more flavourful by adding ingredients like eggs, Italian seasoning, and parsley.

Meat-Filled Manicotti:

For a heartier option, you can fill Manicotti with ground beef, veal, or Italian sausage. Sauté some onions in olive oil, then brown the meat of your choice, and finally, stir in ricotta cheese. This filling pairs well with a vodka or blush sauce instead of the traditional tomato sauce.

Spinach Manicotti:

For a vegetarian option, you can make a spinach Manicotti by sautéing spinach and adding it to the ricotta cheese filling. Other leafy greens like kale or arugula can also be used to add some extra nutrients to your dish.

Roasted Red Pepper Manicotti:

Another vegetarian option is to fill Manicotti with roasted red peppers. You can either use jarred roasted red peppers or roast them yourself. Simply toss the peppers in olive oil, roast them in the oven, and then blend them into a creamy sauce to fill your Manicotti.

Chicken Manicotti:

If you're looking for a chicken option, try Chicken Manicotti Alfredo. This variation combines chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta for a rich and indulgent dish.

When it comes to baking your Manicotti, preheat your oven to around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Stuff your Manicotti shells with your desired filling, arranging them in a baking dish coated with tomato sauce or marinara sauce. Top with more sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly and melted, usually around 30-45 minutes.

How to cook manicotti

Ingredients

Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish that uses large noodles or thin crepes (crespelle) stuffed with different kinds of cheeses. The recipe below serves 4 and takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes to prepare and cook.

• 5 1/2 ounces manicotti pasta
• 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Method

Step 1: Boil the manicotti

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the manicotti tubes, and cook until al dente (around 6-12 minutes). Drain and run under cool water, then toss in olive oil and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the baking dish

Pour 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce into an 11x17-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Fill the manicotti

Stuff each manicotti shell with 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. You can use a long spoon or a pastry bag fitted with a large tip to pipe the filling into the shells. Place the filled shells into the baking dish in an even single layer.

Step 5: Top with sauce and cheese

Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the filled shells, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 45 minutes. For a browned top, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Tips

• Undercook your manicotti slightly, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Add salt to the water when boiling your manicotti to enhance the flavour.
• You can make manicotti ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it, adding 10-30 minutes to the cooking time.
• If you can't find manicotti, you can use cannelloni or sheets of lasagna instead. Simply spoon the cheese filling onto the pasta and roll it up.

How to fill manicotti

Filling manicotti can be a time-consuming and laborious task, but there are a few ways to streamline the process.

One option is to use a pastry bag or a plastic food storage bag to fill the manicotti tubes. Simply fill the bag with the manicotti filling, cut a hole in the tip, insert the tip into the tube, and squeeze the bag to fill the tube. If you are using a pastry bag, you can place the bag into a tall glass to help stabilise it while you fill it. To prevent the filling from coming out of the other end of the manicotti tube, insert the tip halfway into the tube, fill it from the centre, and then repeat on the opposite end.

If you don't have a bag, you can also use a long, narrow spoon or a butter knife to fill the tubes. A butter knife allows you to hold a larger clump of filling and you can wipe the filling from the blade as you go.

Another option is to use flat pasta instead of tubes. Soak lasagne noodles in boiling water until they are pliable, then spoon the filling onto the noodles and roll them up. This method avoids the need to fill the tubes, but you will need to adjust your cooking times accordingly.

When filling manicotti tubes, it is important to cook the pasta only until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. It is also important to rinse the cooked pasta with cold water and pat it dry before filling. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking together and becoming gummy.

Finally, when assembling the manicotti, it is a good idea to coat the bottom of the baking dish with sauce and add sauce on top of the manicotti before baking. This extra sauce will help prevent the manicotti from drying out during cooking.

What to serve with manicotti

Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish that uses large noodles or thin crepes (crespelle) stuffed with different kinds of cheeses and other ingredients. It is a hearty and comforting dish that can be served on its own, but it can also be paired with various side dishes to enhance its flavour and make the meal more indulgent.

If you're looking for something light to balance the richness of manicotti, a green salad is a perfect option. You can add a vinaigrette dressing to enhance the flavours of the salad and cut through the creaminess of the manicotti. A chopped vegetable salad or an Italian chopped salad with mozzarella, cucumbers, lettuce, salami, and cherry tomatoes is another refreshing option that pairs well with the Italian flavours of manicotti.

For something more indulgent, garlic bread or garlic breadsticks are classic Italian choices that complement the tomato sauce and creamy cheese filling of manicotti. You can also try Parmesan potato wedges, which provide a crisp texture and a soft centre, pairing well with the manicotti's crisp and creamy elements.

If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, grilled vegetables are an excellent choice. They bring out the sweeter notes from the veggies, which complement the creamy cheese filling of the manicotti. Sautéed spinach is another tasty option, as the earthy and slightly sweet notes of the spinach balance the decadence of the manicotti.

For a more elegant side dish, stuffed mushrooms are easy to prepare and always look stunning. Simply stuff large mushrooms with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. The Parmesan adds a kick that pairs well with the manicotti's cheeses, while the breadcrumbs provide a pleasant crunch.

If you're looking for something unique, barbecue ribs or lemon pepper shrimp can add a smoky or zesty flavour to your meal, respectively. These protein-rich sides also offer a tender texture that contrasts nicely with the al dente consistency of the manicotti.

Finally, for a true Italian feast, don't forget the antipasto board with cured meats, different kinds of cheese, and marinated vegetables, and a nice glass of Italian red wine, such as Chianti or Nero D'Avola.

How to make manicotti ahead of time

Making manicotti ahead of time is a great way to save time and effort, especially if you're preparing for a party or gathering. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make manicotti in advance:

Choose Your Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities will depend on the number of servings you need, but the key ingredients for manicotti are pasta (either manicotti tubes or fresh pasta sheets) , ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, and tomato sauce. You can also add various fillings such as spinach, parsley, basil, or meat.

Prepare the Sauce and Filling

Start by preparing your tomato sauce, either from scratch or using a store-bought option. Ensure you have enough sauce to coat the bottom of your baking dish and cover the manicotti shells.

Next, make the ricotta cheese filling by combining ricotta cheese, grated cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as spinach, meat, or other vegetables, depending on your preference.

Boil the Pasta

If using manicotti tubes, boil them in salted water for around 5-10 minutes. Undercooking is better than overcooking, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. After boiling, drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and set it aside.

If using fresh pasta sheets, cut them to size (approximately 5 inches by 8 inches).

Stuff the Manicotti

Now it's time to fill the manicotti shells. This can be done using a small spoon or a piping bag. If using dried pasta tubes, cook them according to the package instructions before filling.

For fresh pasta sheets, place a slice of mozzarella or provolone on top of the pasta sheet, followed by the ricotta mixture. Roll the pasta up, ensuring the seam is at the bottom to hold everything together.

Assemble and Refrigerate

Coat the bottom of a baking dish with tomato sauce. Place the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish, adding more sauce to coat them completely. You can also add mozzarella cheese, grated Romano, and thinly sliced fresh basil on top.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil to prevent drying out and melting. At this point, you can refrigerate the manicotti for up to 24-32 hours before baking.

Baking Instructions

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the plastic wrap and foil from the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-45 minutes, or until the manicotti is heated through.

Remove the foil, let the manicotti set for a few minutes, and garnish with additional warm sauce and grated cheese before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use a piping bag or a tall glass to fill the manicotti shells neatly and efficiently.
• Undercook the pasta slightly to prevent overcooking when baked.
• Refrigerate the assembled manicotti for at least 8 hours to allow the pasta to soften and ensure it bakes to the perfect texture.
• You can also freeze uncooked manicotti for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Frequently asked questions