Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Manicotti Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting yet healthy dish, you’ll love this Vegetarian Manicotti recipe. It’s got everything I crave: creamy ricotta, savory tomato sauce, and just the right amount of herbs.
I adore how easy it’s to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul.
Plus, knowing it’s packed with nutritious ingredients makes me feel good about serving it. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients of Vegetarian Manicotti
When it comes to making a delicious Vegetarian Manicotti, having the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. This dish isn’t only tasty but also a great way to sneak in some nutritious elements, making it a hit for both veggie lovers and those just looking to try something new.
So, let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this delightful meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 manicotti shells, cooked and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) package of fat-free ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced (yes, more garlic!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Now that you’ve got the list, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients.
First off, ricotta cheese is a must—it brings that creamy, dreamy texture we all love in manicotti. If you want to go a bit indulgent, you could swap the fat-free ricotta for regular, but hey, we’re trying to keep it light, right?
And don’t skip the parsley; it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Also, while I adore fresh garlic, I’ll admit that I sometimes get a little overzealous and end up with garlic breath for days. It’s a small price to pay for flavor, I guess.
Just remember, you can always adjust the spices to suit your taste buds—more basil, less salt, whatever makes your heart sing. Cooking should be fun, so feel free to play around with these ingredients as you create your own version of this tasty vegetarian delight!
How to Make Vegetarian Manicotti
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients for the Vegetarian Manicotti, let’s plunge into the fun part—making it! First things first, you’ll want to cook those 8 manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Make sure you drain them well afterward; nobody likes soggy pasta, right?
While those shells are cooling, let’s get started on the tomato sauce. Grab a large skillet and drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it up over medium heat, and toss in 1 small onion, finely chopped, along with 1 minced garlic clove. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until they’re looking soft and fragrant—this is where the magic begins.
Next up, it’s time for the star of the sauce show: the tomatoes. Add in those 2 (15 ounce) cans of diced tomatoes along with the remaining ingredients—1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1 bay leaf, and sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring this delightful mix to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes. Don’t forget to remove that bay leaf at the end; nobody wants to bite into that.
While that sauce is bubbling away, you can whip up the cheesy filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 (15 ounce) package of fat-free ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of the finely chopped parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, and season it all with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix it all together until it’s nice and creamy.
Now comes the fun part—stuffing the shells. Take each of your cooked manicotti shells and fill them with that cheesy mixture. It might get a little messy, and you might end up with some filling on the counter (or your shirt, oops), but that’s part of the experience.
Once they’re all stuffed, arrange the shells in a baking dish and pour the delicious tomato sauce over the top. Cover the dish with tinfoil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese and a bit of parsley on top, and pop it back in the oven for 5 more minutes.
The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking when dinner is ready. Just be prepared to share; this Vegetarian Manicotti is sure to be a hit.
Vegetarian Manicotti Substitutions & Variations
Vegetarian manicotti is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of substitutions and variations to cater to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
For the ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you’re vegan. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions to the stuffing. Instead of eggs, try flaxseed meal mixed with water to bind the filling.
You can also swap the marinara for pesto or a creamy Alfredo sauce. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free manicotti shells.
These tweaks can elevate your dish while still keeping it delicious and satisfying!
Additional Tips & Notes
Experimenting with substitutions and variations can really enhance your vegetarian manicotti experience. For a creamier filling, I sometimes mix in a bit of feta cheese or spinach.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, to the sauce for extra flavor. Remember, the key to perfection is to taste as you go!
I also recommend letting the manicotti rest for a few minutes after baking; it helps the flavors meld beautifully. Ultimately, don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs or crushed red pepper on top for that final touch.
Enjoy your delicious creation!