Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! Our Baked Manicotti with Prosciutto is not just a meal; it's a decadent experience that combines creamy cheeses, delicate prosciutto, and a rich marinara sauce that will make your dinner guests think you've trained in a Tuscan kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress your family or craving a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz prosciutto, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your manicotti bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the manicotti shells to the boiling water and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped prosciutto, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and prosciutto mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent the manicotti from sticking.
- Place the filled manicotti shells in the baking dish in a single layer. Once all the shells are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all shells are covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the sauce. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during the first half of baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to serve and will enhance the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Baked Manicotti with Prosciutto!
Tips
- For the perfect al dente manicotti, set a timer when boiling and test the shells a minute before the recommended cooking time.
- Use a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with the corner cut off to easily and neatly fill the manicotti shells.
- If the prosciutto is very salty, reduce or omit additional salt in the cheese mixture.
- For extra flavor, try adding some fresh chopped herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- If you can't find manicotti shells, large pasta shells can be a good substitute.
- For a lighter version, you can use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 29g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
