Freeze Ahead Manicotti

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 2
Make Ahead Freeze Manicotti perfect for a busy day
in Pasta

Prep

20 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 package manicotti
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 carton part-skim ricotta cheese
1 carton small curd low fat cottage cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese , grated
1/3 cup parmesan cheese , grated
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley , chopped
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
462
Sugar
11g
Fat
23g
Manicotti is a classic Italian pasta dish that has become a favorite in American households as well. These pasta tubes are perfectly shaped to stuff with a delicious cheese mix that's flavored with fresh herbs and spices. Once cooked, they are smothered in spaghetti sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. It's a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for a cold day or a comforting weeknight dinner. What makes this recipe even better is the ability to make it ahead and freeze it for a busy day. Simply follow the instructions and you'll have a delicious meal ready to go in the freezer for those extra busy days when you don't have time to cook.

Instructions

1.Cook manicotti according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water.
2.Preheat oven to 350°F.
3.In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, parsley, and eggs. Mix well.
4.Stuff manicotti shells with cheese mixture and place in a 13x9 inch baking dish. Pour spaghetti sauce over shells.
5.Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
6.To freeze, let manicotti cool completely. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.

PROS

Freezing ahead is a great way to save time for busy weeknight dinners.

Manicotti is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a crowd.

CONS

Manicotti can be high in calories and fat.

It’s important to watch portion size and consider serving with a side salad or vegetables to balance out the meal.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Manicotti can be a good source of protein and calcium.
It’s important to choose a lower sodium spaghetti sauce and part-skim cheese varieties to make the dish a bit healthier.

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