Manicotti is a classic Italian-American dish that brings comfort and flavor to any dinner table. Using Creamette pasta makes this recipe especially easy and reliable, giving us perfectly shaped tubes ready to be filled with a rich, cheesy mixture. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
To create our Creamette Manicotti, we use simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to deliver a satisfying and authentic Italian-American experience.
Pasta
- 1 box Creamette Manicotti pasta (usually 8 ounces, pre-shaped tubes ready for filling)
Filling
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten to bind the filling)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for subtle aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for melted topping)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (final sprinkle)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
| Ingredient Category | Key Ingredients | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | Creamette Manicotti tubes | Convenient, perfectly shaped |
| Filling | Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, herbs, spices | Creamy, flavorful stuffing |
| Sauce | Marinara, oregano, red pepper flakes | Rich, aromatic base |
| Toppings | Mozzarella, Parmesan, basil | Melted, cheesy finish, freshness |
Using Creamette pasta ensures each manicotti shell holds the filling perfectly without cracking, making the assembly process easier and mess-free.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Creamette Manicotti Recipe flawlessly, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool ensures smooth assembly and perfect baking of this classic dish.
- Large Pot: For boiling the Creamette manicotti tubes quickly and evenly without breaking.
- Colander: To drain the pasta efficiently and prevent sogginess.
- Mixing Bowls: One medium bowl for combining the ricotta filling ingredients and another for mixing the marinara sauce if enhancing with spices.
- Large Spoon or Spatula: To stir the cheese filling thoroughly ensuring a smooth texture.
- Pastry Bag or Small Spoon: We recommend a pastry bag for neat, mess-free filling of the manicotti tubes. A small spoon can work but requires more precision.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Ideal size to arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer for even cooking and sauce coverage.
- Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish during baking, retaining moisture and melting the cheese perfectly.
- Oven Mitts: For safety when placing and removing the hot baking dish.
- Cheese Grater: If grating fresh Parmesan or mozzarella for topping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
- Tongs: Helpful to handle pasta tubes without breaking them.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Pot | Boil Creamette manicotti tubes |
| Colander | Drain manicotti pasta |
| Mixing Bowls | Mix filling and sauce |
| Pastry Bag or Spoon | Fill manicotti shells |
| 9×13 Inch Baking Dish | Bake assembled manicotti |
| Aluminum Foil | Cover dish during baking |
| Oven Mitts | Handle hot dishes safely |
| Cheese Grater | Grate fresh cheese |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Tongs | Handle pasta carefully |
Using these tools, we can streamline the cooking process and ensure every Creamette Manicotti turns out perfectly filled and baked, making our meal effortless and delightful.
Prep Work
Before diving into assembling our Creamette Manicotti, taking the right prep steps ensures a smooth cooking experience and a delicious outcome. Let’s walk through preparing the shells, filling, and sauce with precision.
Preparing the Manicotti Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Gently add the Creamette Manicotti pasta shells to the boiling water.
- Boil for 6 to 7 minutes until the shells are al dente—tender but still firm enough to hold the filling.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully remove the shells, avoiding breakage.
- Place them on a large plate or baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Let the shells cool slightly while we prepare the filling.
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Water Volume | 6 quarts per 1 box pasta |
| Salt Amount | 1 tablespoon per pot |
| Boiling Time | 6-7 minutes, al dente |
| Cooling Method | Place on towel, avoid stacking |
Preparing the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup grated Parmesan.
- Add 1 large egg, beaten, for binding.
- Season with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Mix thoroughly until ingredients form a creamy, smooth consistency.
- For best results, refrigerate the filling for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Preparing the Sauce
- Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce into a medium saucepan.
- Warm on medium heat stirring occasionally.
- Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano for herbal depth.
- If desired, include ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Maintain a gentle simmer, ensuring the sauce is evenly heated and flavorful.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to craft our Creamette Manicotti into a delicious, family-friendly meal with rich flavors and perfect texture.
Filling the Manicotti
- Prepare the filling mixture by combining:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix all ingredients well in a large bowl until smooth and uniform. For best flavor, refrigerate the filling for 10 minutes before use.
- Using a piping bag or spoon, carefully fill each Creamette manicotti tube with the cheese mixture, filling to about ¾ full to avoid overflow during baking.
Assembling the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of prepared marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay the filled Creamette manicotti shells side by side in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti until fully covered.
- Sprinkle the top evenly with:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Add fresh basil leaves on top as garnish if desired.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
- Carefully remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
| Step | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 375°F (190°C) | – | Ensure even cooking |
| Covered baking | 375°F (190°C) | 30 minutes | Retains moisture |
| Uncovered baking | 375°F (190°C) | 10 minutes | Achieves golden cheese top |
| Resting | Room temp | 5 minutes | Helps set filling |
Serving Suggestions
To enhance our Creamette Manicotti experience, consider these serving suggestions that perfectly complement the rich flavors and textures of this Italian-American classic.
Pairing with Side Dishes
We recommend serving Creamette Manicotti alongside fresh, vibrant sides to balance its creamy and cheesy richness. Here are some top choices:
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli: The slight bitterness and crisp texture contrast beautifully with the soft manicotti.
- Mixed Green Salad with a light vinaigrette: Adds refreshing acidity to cleanse the palate.
- Italian Breadsticks or Garlic Bread: Ideal for scooping up extra marinara sauce.
Wine & Beverage Pairings
Selecting the right beverage enhances the overall dining experience. Try these:
| Beverage Type | Recommendation | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Wine | Chianti or Sangiovese | Medium-bodied with cherry notes |
| White Wine | Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp, light, with citrus hints |
| Non-Alcoholic Option | Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea | Refreshing and cleansing |
Presentation Tips
Visual appeal heightens anticipation and enjoyment. We suggest:
- Garnishing the baked manicotti plate with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma.
- Drizzling a bit of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving.
- Serving on warm plates to keep the dish hot longer.
Ideal Serving Temperature
For the best flavor and texture experience, serve Creamette Manicotti hot. The cheeses should be melted and stretchy, the sauce bubbling lightly around the edges.
“Serving Creamette Manicotti with complementary sides and drinks turns a comforting meal into an elegant dinner occasion.”
These serving suggestions enhance our Creamette Manicotti meal making it more delicious and memorable for every occasion.
Make-Ahead Tips
For Creamette Manicotti, preparing ahead not only saves time but enhances the melding of flavors. Here’s how we recommend making this classic Italian-American dish in advance without compromising its rich taste and perfect texture:
1. Assemble but Do Not Bake
We strongly suggest assembling the manicotti with the ricotta-mozzarella filling and layering it in your baking dish, then covering tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- This step prevents drying out and keeps the sauce and cheese moist.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Storage Parameters
Keep these guidelines for both assembled and cooked Creamette Manicotti:
| Preparation Stage | Storage Location | Maximum Storage Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembled, unbaked | Refrigerator | 24 hours | Cover tightly to retain moisture |
| Fully baked, cooled | Refrigerator | 3 to 4 days | Reheat covered to prevent drying |
| Fully baked, cooled | Freezer | Up to 2 months | Wrap well in foil and freezer bag; thaw overnight in fridge |
3. Baking After Refrigeration
When ready to bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the cover and bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- If baking straight from refrigerated, add 5-10 extra minutes to ensure thorough heating.
4. Freezing Tips
To freeze Creamette Manicotti:
- Assemble as usual into a freezer-safe dish.
- Wrap tightly in foil then place in a freezer bag labeled with date and content.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Bake as described above.
“Making your Creamette Manicotti ahead doesn’t just make dinner easier; it allows the flavors to marry for an even more delicious experience.”
5. Reheating Cooked Leftovers
For reheating cooked leftovers:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cover dish tightly with foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until hot, stirring halfway.
By following these Make-Ahead Tips, we ensure every bite of our Creamette Manicotti stays as creamy, cheesy, and flavorful as the first serving.
Conclusion
Making Creamette Manicotti at home brings a satisfying blend of ease and authentic flavor to your table. With the right ingredients and simple steps, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
Whether you’re preparing it fresh or ahead of time, this recipe adapts well to your schedule without sacrificing taste. Pair it with your favorite sides and drinks to create a memorable meal that everyone will love.
We’re confident this Creamette Manicotti recipe will become a go-to for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamette Manicotti?
Creamette Manicotti is a type of pasta shaped like large tubes, perfect for stuffing with cheese and other fillings. It simplifies assembly and baking, making the classic Italian-American dish easier and less messy to prepare.
What ingredients are needed for Creamette Manicotti?
Key ingredients include Creamette Manicotti pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, oregano, and optional spices like red pepper flakes. Fresh basil is often used as a garnish.
How do I prepare Creamette Manicotti?
Boil the manicotti shells, prepare the cheese filling, warm the marinara sauce, fill the pasta tubes, place them in a baking dish, top with sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
What equipment do I need to make this dish?
You’ll need a large pot, colander, mixing bowls, a pastry bag or spoon for filling, a 9×13 inch baking dish, aluminum foil, and basic kitchen tools like a spoon and spatula.
Can I make Creamette Manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance to enhance the flavors. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best taste and texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain creaminess.
What are good side dishes to serve with Creamette Manicotti?
Great sides include garlic roasted broccoli, mixed green salad, or Italian breadsticks. These complement the rich, cheesy flavors without overpowering the dish.
What beverages pair well with Creamette Manicotti?
Red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese, and white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pair well. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing choice.
How can I make sure the manicotti assembles without breaking?
Use Creamette Manicotti pasta and gently boil the shells until just tender. Use a pastry bag or spoon for controlled filling to avoid tearing.
Why should I serve Creamette Manicotti hot?
Serving it hot ensures the cheese is melted and creamy, the sauce is flavorful, and the pasta has the best texture, making the dish more enjoyable and authentic.