Three Cheese Manicotti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Three Cheese Manicotti
Have you ever craved a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of nostalgia? Enter three cheese manicotti, a delightful Italian-American classic that combines tender pasta shells with a creamy cheese filling, all smothered in savory spaghetti sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that’s easy enough for cooks of all ages!
A Personal Story Behind My Three Cheese Manicotti Journey
Growing up, pasta was a staple in our household. My family often gathered around the table, sharing laughter and stories over a hearty meal. One of my fondest memories is helping my grandmother prepare manicotti for special occasions. She taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and the joy of cooking together. This three cheese manicotti recipe is a tribute to those cherished moments, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
What Makes This Three Cheese Manicotti Recipe Special?
What sets this three cheese manicotti apart is its rich blend of flavors and textures. The combination of mozzarella, cottage cheese, and parmesan creates a creamy filling that melts beautifully during baking. The addition of two layers of spaghetti sauce ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a versatile dish—feel free to add meat or veggies for an extra twist! This recipe is not only comforting but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
The Full Three Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Ingredients
- 14-16 manicotti pasta shells
- 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese (4% milkfat)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce (23 ounces each)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool. Tip: Adding a bit of olive oil to the water can prevent the shells from sticking.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, parmesan cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Tip: Make sure to mix thoroughly for an even consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Spread one jar of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Fill each cooked manicotti shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking pan. Tip: Use a small spoon or piping bag to make filling easier.
- Pour the second jar of spaghetti sauce over the stuffed manicotti shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle an additional cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Tip: You can cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
- For a golden brown cheese topping, broil on low for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve warm with a side of salad and garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Three Cheese Manicotti
This three cheese manicotti can be served with a fresh green salad and some crispy garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, consider adding cooked ground beef or spinach to the cheese mixture for added flavor and nutrients. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or sauces to suit your palate. This dish is perfect for leftovers, as the flavors intensify after a day in the fridge!
Frequently Asked Questions About Three Cheese Manicotti
Can I make manicotti ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze manicotti?
Absolutely! Just assemble the manicotti and cover it tightly before freezing. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I serve with manicotti?
Pair it with a light salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Enjoy this comforting and cheesy manicotti bake that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Three Cheese Manicotti
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan For baking the manicotti.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14-16 manicotti pasta shells
- 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese 4% milkfat
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce 23 ounces each
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, parmesan cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Spread one jar of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Fill each cooked manicotti shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking pan.
- Pour the second jar of spaghetti sauce over the stuffed manicotti shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle an additional cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- For a golden brown cheese topping, broil on low for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve warm with a side of salad and garlic bread.