Stuffed Manicotti Recipe With Sunset Red Marinara Blanket

I know that feeling of wanting a truly comforting, impressive meal without hours in the kitchen. That’s why our incredible stuffed manicotti recipe with Sunset Red Marinara Blanket is a lifesaver, promising tender pasta, a creamy filling, and the rich aroma of simmering tomato sauce that fills your home. It’s perfect for busy parents seeking a hearty, healthy meal without the fuss, especially when finding fresh ideas for family dinner is tough. Generations of happy eaters confirm this recipe is a keeper in my family cookbook, truly a healthy eating cornerstone. Get ready for pure joy with every bite.

Ingredient List with Smart Choices

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to a delicious, easy dinner. This list focuses on fresh, readily available items that make our stuffed manicotti recipe with Sunset Red Marinara Blanket truly shine.

Manicotti shells: 12-14 shells (about 250g), for holding that creamy filling. (Opt for whole wheat shells for extra fiber, if desired).
Ricotta cheese: 15 oz (425g) whole milk ricotta, recommended for creaminess and high-protein content. (Full-fat gives the best texture, but part-skim works too).
Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (225g) shredded, divided; use a good quality low-moisture mozzarella for perfect melt. (I often buy a block and shred it myself for a better melt).
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated, for a salty, umami kick.
Egg: 1 large, acts as a binder for the filling.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (10g), for aromatic depth.
Spinach: 10 oz (280g) frozen, thawed and squeezed very dry, or 5 oz (140g) fresh, chopped; adds vitamins and a touch of green.
Italian seasoning: 1 tsp, a classic blend of herbs.
Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for balancing flavors.
Sunset Red Marinara Blanket: 24-32 oz (680-900g) jarred sauce, or homemade for extra flavor and control over organic ingredients.

These pantry staples, combined with fresh cheeses, create a nourishing, family-friendly meal. Gluten-free manicotti shells are widely available, and you can easily incorporate cooked ground beef or sausage (1/2 lb) into the filling for an even heartier, high-protein meal. This versatile stuffed manicotti recipe with Sunset Red Marinara Blanket is great for budget meal prep.

Easy Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Prep the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add manicotti shells and cook according to package directions until they feel al dente (about 7-8 minutes), still firm to the bite. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to cool, preparing them for the delicious stuffed manicotti recipe with Sunset Red Marinara Blanket ahead.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the large egg, minced garlic, well-squeezed spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spoon to mix everything well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and look creamy. If your spinach feels watery, squeeze it again to prevent a runny filling.
Stuff the Manicotti: This is where the magic happens for our stuffed manicotti recipe with Sunset Red Marinara Blanket. Gently spoon the cheese mixture into each cooled manicotti shell. For a quick, mess-free approach, I often use a large Ziploc bag with one corner snipped off like a pastry bag, making stuffing a breeze for this hearty dish.
Assemble for Baking: Pour about 1 cup (240ml) of your favorite Sunset Red Marinara Blanket into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a base. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.
Blanket with Marinara: Pour the remaining Sunset Red Marinara Blanket evenly over the manicotti, making sure each shell is well coated and peeking through the sauce. Generously sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a golden crust, completing the look of our signature stuffed manicotti recipe with Sunset Red Marinara Blanket.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until the sauce is simmering. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and lightly browned with golden edges.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the baked dish to rest on the counter for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy filling and rich sauce to set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart. This hearty, family-friendly meal, a true easy dinner idea, is worth the brief wait!

Ideal Uses and Serving Suggestions

Occasions: Easy family dinners, weeknights, special occasions. Leftovers make great kid-friendly lunches.
Pairings: Crisp green salad, garlic bread, or sparkling cider. I enjoy extra Sunset Red Marinara Blanket for dipping.
Storage & Meal Prep: Cooked manicotti: 3-4 days fridge, reheat well. Freeze unbaked up to 3 months; bake from frozen, covered, 375°F for 60-75 minutes.

Everyday Benefits of Cooking with Stuffed Manicotti Recipe with Sunset Red Marinara Blanket

This incredible stuffed manicotti recipe offers practical wins: it saves time with mostly hands-off baking, making it a great quick dinner idea. Using simple, affordable ingredients, it’s budget-friendly, providing a satisfying, nourishing meal. I often make a double batch and freeze half, a huge time-saver for busy weekdays.

For balanced lifestyle goals, this dish excels. It’s easily customizable for healthier options like whole wheat pasta or leaner fillings, fitting perfectly into your family’s meal prep plans and easy dinner ideas.

Tips, Variations, and Dietary Adjustments

Technique Upgrades: Don’t overcook manicotti shells; they finish in the oven. Chilling the cheese filling (30 mins) makes stuffing easier. Add cream cheese for richness.
Flavor Tweaks: A pinch of nutmeg adds Italian flair to the filling. Incorporate fresh basil or parsley into your Sunset Red Marinara Blanket. Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Low-carb? Bake filling without pasta or use zucchini ‘boats’. Plant-based? Use alternative cheeses and a robust veggie marinara. For kids, finely chop spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is stuffed manicotti suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! Find gluten-free manicotti shells. This stuffed manicotti recipe is otherwise gluten-free if your Sunset Red Marinara Blanket is compliant. A great healthy eating option.

Q: How can I meal prep with this stuffed manicotti recipe for the week?

Assemble completely, then refrigerate up to 2 days before baking. For longer meal prep, freeze up to 3 months. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly solution!

Q: What’s the best way to store homemade stuffed manicotti?

Store cooled leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for convenient, quick dinner ideas.

Q: Can I make the Sunset Red Marinara Blanket from scratch?

Absolutely! While jarred Sunset Red Marinara Blanket makes this an easy dinner, homemade marinara adds more depth to your stuffed manicotti recipe.

Q: What if I don’t have a piping bag for stuffing the shells?

No problem! A sturdy Ziploc bag with a snipped corner works perfectly. I often use this trick myself. You can also carefully spoon the filling.

Q: Can I add meat to this stuffed manicotti recipe?

Yes! Brown 1/2 lb ground meat (beef, Italian sausage, turkey), drain fat, and mix into the cheese filling for a meatier, high-protein version.

Conclusion

This comforting dish brings everyone to the table, and my family absolutely loves it for easy home cooking. Pin this family-friendly recipe to your Pinterest board for quick meal inspiration!