Mamma Mia Now That's Italian Manicotti

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with "Mamma Mia Now That's Italian Manicotti," a classic baked pasta dish bursting with the rich, authentic flavors of Italy. Tender manicotti shells are generously stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, perfectly seasoned with fresh parsley and a hint of black pepper. The stuffed shells are nestled in a luscious homemade marinara sauce, infused with sautéed garlic for an extra depth of flavor, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection under a layer of melted mozzarella. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a hearty serving size fit for the whole family, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with a crisp side salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete Italian feast that will have everyone saying "Mamma Mia!"

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 3 cups jarred marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 0.25 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil and set it aside.

Step 2

Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions, boiling them until they are al dente. Drain the shells and lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool slightly and prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well until the filling is smooth and uniform.

Step 4

Using a small spoon or a piping bag, gently fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture. Take care not to overfill, as the shells can tear.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and water, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 7

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are completely covered to prevent drying out in the oven.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Allow the manicotti to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Step 12

Serve hot and enjoy your 'Mamma Mia Now That's Italian Manicotti'!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2186.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4069.2

Total Fat 160.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 79.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 874.2mg	0%
Sodium 8131.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 457.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.6g	0%
Total Sugars 45.9g
Protein 213.3g	0%

Vitamin D 80IU	0%
Calcium 4397.8mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 3059.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.0%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 44.3%