Get ready to elevate your pasta game with a mouthwatering twist on the classic Italian favorite! Our Stuffed Crepe Manicotti is not just another pasta dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the delicate elegance of French crepes with the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Italian cuisine. Imagine tender, thin crepes filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture, bathed in a vibrant marinara sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups crepe batter
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the crepe batter by whisking together flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes at room temperature to allow gluten to relax.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour a thin layer of batter, tilting the pan to spread evenly.
- Cook each crepe for about 1-2 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Flip and cook the other side briefly. Set aside on a plate to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the filling.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Lay out each crepe and place a generous spoonful of cheese mixture along the center. Carefully roll the crepe into a tube shape.
- Arrange the stuffed crepes seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the crepes. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Batter Perfection: Let your crepe batter rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender, flexible crepes.
- Crepe Cooking Technique: Use a non-stick pan and keep the heat at medium. The first crepe is always a test – don't get discouraged if it doesn't turn out perfect!
- Cheese Filling Hack: For extra flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or parsley to your cheese mixture. A pinch of nutmeg can also add depth to the filling.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the crepes and filling a day in advance, making assembly quick and easy when you're ready to bake.
- Cheese Melting Tip: For that perfect golden, bubbly cheese top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown beautifully.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes serving much easier.
- Customization: Feel free to add some cooked spinach or ground meat to the cheese filling for extra nutrition and flavor variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
