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Manicotti Piccante (Spicy Manicotti)

Italian1 Hour
Punchline

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy tonight and add a spicy kick to your dinner table with this delightful dish!

ingredients
manicotti12
ricotta15ounces
mozzarella8ounces
parmesan1cup
egg1
garlic3cloves
spinach1package
tomato sauce24ounces
red pepper flakes1teaspoon
olive oil2tablespoons
salt1teaspoon
pepper1teaspoon
instructions
    1

    Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

    2

    In a medium bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 8 ounces of mozzarella (shredded), 1 egg, 3 cloves of minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix this together until it's smooth.

    3

    Stir in 1 package of spinach into the cheese mixture until combined.

    4

    In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

    5

    Add 24 ounces of tomato sauce and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    6

    Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture using a piping bag or a spoon.

    7

    Spread some of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.

    8

    Arrange the filled manicotti in the dish and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.

    9

    Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

    10

    After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese if desired, and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

    11

    Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your spicy manicotti!

Servings

4

How to be creative
  • Add Italian sausage or ground beef for extra protein and flavor.
  • Top with a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of a traditional marinara.
  • Incorporate different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist.
Important Tips
  • For a creamier filling, add a splash of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
  • Make sure to cook the manicotti according to package instructions for the perfect texture.
  • Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld.
nutritions
  • fat: 15g
  • fiber: 4g
  • protein: 25g
  • calories: 450
  • carbohydrates: 55g
Health impact

This dish is a hearty meal that provides a good amount of protein and energy from carbohydrates, making it a fulfilling choice for dinner.