A delightful twist on a classic Italian dish, this recipe combines creamy cheeses and fresh herbs for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
Preheating the oven ensures even cooking and a perfect bake.
Cook the manicotti shells in boiling water until slightly undercooked, then drain and rinse with cool water.
Undercooking the pasta slightly helps prevent tearing during stuffing.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, fresh basil, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese until well mixed.
Mixing the filling thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
Using a piping bag makes stuffing the shells much easier and less messy.
Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Filling the shells gently prevents them from breaking.
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
Covering the shells with sauce prevents them from drying out during baking.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Baking until the cheese is bubbly and golden adds a delicious texture.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade cheesy herb-stuffed manicotti!
Allowing the dish to cool slightly makes it easier to serve.
