Forktionary

Manicotti

N/A Pasta, Italian Cuisine, Pantry Staple

Manicotti Pasta, Italian Cuisine, Pantry Staple

At a Glance

  • Category Pasta, Italian Cuisine, Pantry Staple

The Forktionary Angle

"Fill your culinary repertoire with manicotti mastery."

Definition

Large, ridged pasta tubes, traditionally stuffed with ricotta cheese, spinach, and meat, then baked with sauce, originating from Italian-American cuisine.

Dry Shelf Life 2-3 years (cool, dry pantry)
Gluten Structure Durum wheat semolina creates strong gluten for shape retention.
Traditional Preparation Stuffed with cheese/meat, baked with sauce

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Manicotti are:

Neutral (as pasta) designed to carry rich fillings and sauces

Chef’s Secret

For easier stuffing, especially with a creamy filling, use a piping bag (or a large Ziploc bag with a corner snipped) to fill manicotti tubes quickly and neatly.

Best Substitutes

Cannelloni

similar tube shape, often smoother
Ratio 1:1

Jumbo Shells

different shape but same stuffing concept
Ratio 1:1

Lasagna Noodles

cut and rolled, more effort

Buying Guide

Look for good quality durum wheat semolina. Check for intact tubes, avoiding broken pieces.

Culinary Pairings

Marinara sauce béchamel sauce ricotta cheese mozzarella spinach ground beef Italian sausage

Recipes Using Manicotti

Baked Manicotti Bolognese Ragu image 136
Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Number Of Servings Dietary

Baked Manicotti Bolognese Ragu

Experience a flavor explosion with this Baked Manicotti Bolognese Ragu! Our rich and flavorful meat sauce, subtly complements the creamy ricotta filling and perfectly cooked manicotti pasta. This recipe generously provides extra sauce – perfect for serving alongside extra pasta or enjoying delicious leftovers. Get ready for a comforting Italian classic that's both impressive and easy to make!

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My Sweet Manicotti In Meat Sauce image
Pasta Served Hot Occasion Main Dish

My Sweet Manicotti In Meat Sauce

Indulge in this family-favorite twist on classic manicotti! Sweet ricotta filling perfectly complements a rich meat and sausage sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a comforting, delicious meal that will impress your loved ones. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Baked Manicotti With Meat Sauce image
Comfort Food Pasta Main Ingredient Preparation

Baked Manicotti With Meat Sauce

This classic Baked Manicotti recipe, inspired by a vintage women's magazine, has been a family favorite for generations! Enjoy tender manicotti shells overflowing with a rich meat and cheese filling, smothered in a luscious tomato sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. Double the recipe (as I do!) and freeze half for a future meal. Serve with a fresh salad, garlic bread, and a bold red wine for a truly unforgettable Italian feast.

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3 Cheese Manicotti image 108
Occasion Oven Time To Make To Go

3 Cheese Manicotti

This 3 Cheese Manicotti recipe is a family heirloom, passed down and perfected over time! Originally discovered in a mail-order recipe card set, this quick and easy recipe minimizes mess and maximizes flavor. While not entirely traditional, its creamy three-cheese filling and simple preparation make it a weeknight winner. Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal ready in under an hour!

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Asparagus Filled Manicotti image 176
Main Dish Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish

Asparagus Filled Manicotti

A family-friendly twist on classic manicotti! This recipe features tender asparagus and savory filling, making it a delicious and surprisingly kid-approved meal. Even picky eaters will love this creamy, cheesy goodness. Easily customizable – omit mushrooms if needed!

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Baked Manicotti image 101
Ground Beef Time To Make Beef Sausage Preparation

Baked Manicotti

This decadent Baked Manicotti recipe elevates the classic Italian dish with flavorful ground sausage, creamy white sauce, and a touch of fresh herbs. A simplified, make-ahead stuffing method saves time, while the blend of rich sausage and ricotta filling, layered with vibrant red and white sauces, creates a symphony of flavors. Perfectly paired with garlic artichokes (recipe #61210) and a crisp garden salad for a complete and unforgettable Italian feast!

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Artichoke Stuffed Manicotti Weight Watchers image
Dietary Manicotti Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Artichoke Stuffed Manicotti Weight Watchers

This lightened-up recipe from a 2004 Weight Watchers magazine is a delicious and surprisingly low-point way to enjoy classic manicotti! Each serving (2 manicotti) clocks in at only 4 points (using fat-free ricotta). Creamy artichoke hearts mingle with ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and scallions in perfectly baked pasta shells. A simple marinara sauce and bubbly mozzarella cheese complete this satisfying and guilt-free meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both healthy and incredibly tasty!

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