Homemade Manicotti Shells

Homemade manicotti shells are a delightful way to elevate your Italian cuisine experience. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade manicotti shells and a classic ricotta cheese filling:

Homemade Manicotti Shells:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and crack the eggs into it.
3. Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, adding water as needed to form a smooth dough. You may not need all the water, or you may need a little more, depending on the humidity and other factors.
4. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
6. After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion out thinly on a floured surface.
7. Cut the rolled-out dough into rectangles, about 4×6 inches in size.
8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
9. Boil the pasta rectangles for about 1-2 minutes or until they are just tender.
10. Remove the pasta from the water and place them on a clean towel to dry.

Ricotta Cheese Filling:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
2. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Assembly:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Take each cooked manicotti shell and spoon a generous amount of the ricotta cheese filling into it.
4. Roll up the manicotti shells and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Once all the shells are filled and rolled, cover them with additional marinara sauce.
6. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade manicotti with ricotta cheese filling!