Description
This Three Cheese Manicotti recipe features creamy plant-based ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses combined with savory smoked turkey slices, all enveloped in al dente manicotti pasta tubes and smothered in a rich, natural tomato sauce enhanced with apple cider vinegar. A comforting, flavorful Italian classic with a plant-based twist that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup plant-based ricotta (plant-based)
- 1 cup shredded plant-based mozzarella (plant-based)
- 1/2 cup grated plant-based parmesan (plant-based)
- 4 oz finely chopped smoked turkey slices
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups natural tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional fresh herbs (basil and parsley) as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Manicotti Tubes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently cook the manicotti pasta tubes until they are al dente, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain carefully and lay them on a lightly oiled tray to prevent sticking while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine plant-based ricotta, shredded plant-based mozzarella, and grated plant-based parmesan cheeses. Fold in finely chopped smoked turkey slices, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil and parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and add the natural gelling agent to achieve the ideal filling consistency. Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the natural tomato sauce along with apple cider vinegar for brightness. Season with salt, pepper, and additional fresh herbs to your preference. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken and develop flavor.
- Stuff and Assemble: Carefully pipe or spoon the cheese and smoked turkey filling into each manicotti tube. Arrange the filled tubes in a baking dish coated with a thin layer of tomato sauce to prevent sticking. Pour and spread the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the top is lightly golden.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta to ensure manicotti tubes hold the filling during baking.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner cut off to fill the manicotti tubes neatly and evenly.
- Fresh herbs add brightness and contrast wonderfully with the rich plant-based cheeses.
- Keep the baking dish covered while baking to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
- Allow the baked manicotti to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for better flavor melding and easier serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: three cheese manicotti, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey slices, tomato sauce, Italian comfort food, baked pasta
