In the world of comfort food, Italian cuisine holds a special place with its emphasis on rich flavors and hearty ingredients. The Easy Sausage Manicotti Bake is a delightful twist on a classic, combining the robust flavors of sausage with the creamy, cheesy goodness of manicotti. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends with family.
Manicotti, large pasta tubes typically stuffed with ricotta cheese and herbs, are a staple in many Italian dishes. In this recipe, we elevate the traditional manicotti by adding savory sausage and a blend of cheeses, baked to perfection in a homemade tomato sauce. This dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that can bring a little piece of Italy to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- Manicotti pasta shells (14 shells)
- Italian sausage (1 lb, removed from casings)
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz)
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Egg (1, beaten)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Spinach (1 cup, chopped, optional)
- Marinara sauce (2 cups)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Manicotti Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, and minced garlic. If using, add the chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Once the sausage has cooled, fold it into the cheese mixture.
- Fill Manicotti Shells: Fill the uncooked manicotti shells with the sausage and cheese mixture. A piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off works well for this step. Arrange the filled shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Cover the manicotti with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the manicotti sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Sausage Manicotti Bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread. For wine enthusiasts, a glass of Chianti or a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo complements the robust flavors of the dish perfectly.
Conclusion
The Easy Sausage Manicotti Bake is more than just a meal; it's an experience that brings the rich, comforting tastes of Italy right to your kitchen. With its straightforward preparation and delicious outcome, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, it’s bound to satisfy cravings for something warm, comforting, and thoroughly appetizing.
Easy Sausage Manicotti Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the flavors of this Easy Sausage Manicotti Bake, a delightful combination of sausage, ricotta, and pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. This simple yet satisfying dish is a weeknight winner, sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Manicotti pasta
- Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Egg
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine cooked sausage, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into uncooked manicotti shells.
- Pour a layer of marinara sauce into a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti over the sauce, and top with remaining marinara and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute the sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
- Add spinach to the filling for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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