Best Baked Manicotti

Step 1

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

For the sauce: heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes (if using) in large saucepan or skillet over medium heat until fragrant but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, basil and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.

Step 3

For the filling: in a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan cheese (1 cup), mozzarella cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, parsley and basil; set aside.

Step 4

To assemble: pour 1-2 inches boiling water into a 9X13-inch baking dish. Add the noodles one at a time, alternating directions so they don't stick. Let the noodles soak until soft enough to roll up, about 5 minutes. Separate the noodles with the tip of a sharp knife to prevent sticking. Remove the noodles from the water and place in a single layer on clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Discard the water in the baking dish and dry the dish to use for assembling and baking the manicotti.

Step 5

Spread 1 1/2 cups sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 6

Dollop about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture on the bottom short side of each noodle. You can either spread the mixture evenly over the bottom 3/4 of the noodle or keep it in a little mound. Roll up the noodle and filling into a tube shape and arrange in the baking dish seam side down. All 16 noodles should easily fit in the 9X13-inch dish.

Step 7

Spread the remaining sauce evenly over the noodles so they are completely covered.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake until the manicotti is bubbling, about 40 minutes. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the manicotti evenly with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (add more, if desired). Bake, uncovered, until cheese is browned and bubbly, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.