Manicotti with 3-Cheese Filling (Page 2 ) | August 2, 2023

Manicotti are large tubes of Italian pasta, typically with ridges on the outside, making it easy to trap the flavorful sauce. The cheese-filled shells are nestled in tomato sauce, topped with mozzarella, and baked in a casserole dish.

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To customize the recipe, this popular baked pasta can be stuffed with multiple kinds of cheese and the mixture can even include chopped vegetables like mushrooms and spinach. For a heartier meal, I would make this with a meat sauce consisting of Italian sausage, beef, or veal.

Three kinds of cheese in the filling
The hallmark of a tasty stuffed manicotti is its filling. For a unique combination of texture and flavor, I use three types of Italian cheeses. Ricotta cheese is the base, it has a hint of sweetness and creamy consistency. It’s also soft and gooey, making it easy to pipe.

Mozzarella is mild and stretchy, helping to bind the filling and provide the drool-worthy pull. Aged Parmesan cheese is hard, but it brings a nutty and sharp taste. To fill the manicotti shells, use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (I use Ateco 806) or a large freezer bag with the small opening cut in one corner

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The secret ingredient: nutmeg
I worked at an Italian restaurant when I was in college, the head chef told me about a secret ingredient he adds to his cheese-stuffed pasta: nutmeg! Just a dash adds a hint of sweetness and depth. When paired with salt and pepper, you’ll be surprised how much it enhanced the taste.

Cooking the pasta

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