Manicotti
We substituted lasagna noodles for manicotti shells as a classic—and easier—way of assembling the manicotti.
Preparation Method
To Make Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes until fragrant but not brown, 1–2 minutes
- Stir in tomatoes, basil, parsley, and ½ teaspoon salt; simmer until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
To Make Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper; stir until thoroughly combined.
- Stir in tomatoes, basil, parsley, and ½ teaspoon salt; simmer until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
To Make Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper; stir until thoroughly combined.
To Assemble and Bake:
- Add 1 inch of boiling water to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add noodles one at a time, soaking until pliable, about 5 minutes. If noodles stick together, separate with the tip of a sharp knife.
- Remove noodles from water and place in single layer on clean kitchen towels; discard water.
- In a dry 9-by-13-inch baking dish, evenly spread 1½ cups sauce along the bottom.
- With the short side of the noodles facing you, top each with ¼ cup of the cheese filling. Evenly coat ¾ of each noodle, leaving the top quarter exposed.
- Roll each noodle into a tube and arrange in two rows of eight in the baking dish, seam side down.
- Top evenly with remaining sauce.
- Place the temperature probe into one of the manicotti in the center of the dish, making sure the tip of the probe is centered in the manicotti.
- Place the dish in the cold oven on rack position “3.” Plug the temperature probe into the receptacle.
- Select Gourmet Mode and choose One Dish Meals, Casserole, and One Rack.
- Bake for 20 minutes then evenly sprinkle remaining 1 cup of Parmesan cheese over the manicotti. Bake until cheese is browned and bubbly, and the probe temperature is reached. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.