Pasta with meat (stuffed manicotti)
To prepare a delicious meal of meat-filled pasta, we start by boiling a large pot of water, adding a tablespoon of salt and a cube of butter for flavor. When the water begins to boil, we introduce the pasta, letting it boil for 2-3 minutes. It is important not to let them cook too long, as they will continue to cook in the oven. After they have boiled slightly, we remove the pasta from the water and drain them, letting them cool for about 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, we prepare the filling. In a large bowl, we mix the minced meat well with 1/3 of the grated cheese, adding spices to taste, such as salt, pepper, and optionally, herbs like oregano or basil. It is essential to ensure that the ingredients are well incorporated, so that each bite is full of flavor.
Once the pasta has cooled, we start filling them with the meat mixture. Using a spoon, we put a portion of filling in each pasta and carefully place them in a baking dish. Before covering them with sauce, we pour a quarter of the seasoned tomato sauce into the dish, diluting it with a little water to achieve a more fluid consistency. This sauce will help keep the pasta moist and full of taste during baking.
We arrange the filled pasta in the dish, side by side, then cover everything with a generous layer of tomato sauce. We cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at a high temperature, letting them bake for about 30 minutes. After this time, we remove the foil and add the remaining cheese on top, putting the dish back in the oven for another 3-4 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes golden.
Once the pasta is ready, we let it cool slightly before serving. These stuffed pastas are perfect for a romantic dinner, accompanied by a glass of red wine. If you want to add extra flavor, you can toast some slices of bread spread with butter mixed with garlic and herbs, such as rosemary or thyme. Don't forget to create a pleasant atmosphere, with candles on the table, to turn this dinner into a special moment dedicated to your loved one. Enjoy every bite and cherish the company!
Ingredients: So we need: 12 pieces of manicotti pasta, 1 egg, salt, pepper, basil, sage, thyme, and rosemary (each puts in whatever flavor they like more, this is what I used) garlic 2-3-4 crushed cloves (more or less as you like) paprika a pinch, minced pork, beef, turkey (whatever you like) (approx. 1/2 kg), 250-300 g grated cheese, well-seasoned spaghetti sauce (I used the one with basil and garlic)
