Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Baked Manicotti With Sausage and Peas

After watching Giada make this on Saturday, I knew I had to make it asap. This was incredible. Matt is usually not a huge fan of Italian food, but he loved this. It is so rich and flavorful and easily makes enough to eat again the next night. This dish is so not healthy but trust me, its amazing! Everything in moderation, right?










BAKED MANICOTTI WITH SAUSAGE AND PEAS

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 ounces (about 3 cups) grated Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 large or 2 small shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus 1/2 teaspoon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus 1/4 teaspoon
1/4 cup white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
3/4 cup (4 ounces) frozen petite peas, thawed
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta
12 manicotti shells
1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella
Directions
Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-13-by-2-inch glass baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray. Set aside.

For the fonduta sauce: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk and cream to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low. Add the Pecorino Romano and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the basil. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, shallots, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables have softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, break the sausage into 1/2-inch pieces. Increase the heat to high. Add the wine and scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook until the wine has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. Add the peas, ricotta, and 1 cup of the fonduta sauce. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until just tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Spread half of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Using a small spoon, fill the manicotti shells with the sausage filling and arrange in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top of the filled shells. Spoon the remaining fonduta sauce on top and sprinkle with the mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until bubbly and golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.

Print Recipe HERE

17 comments:

Julia Ryan said...

casserole to be delivered Friday to BFF who just had a baby....CHECK!
What's crazy is all last night I was thinking about doing some sort of stuffed shell recipe for her but wanted something with a twist, and here it is! Thanks Natalie!

caycee said...

Amazaballs!!!! I hope my husband does not see this, he will die! I am so sad I am not going to get to see my girl today ;( Yall have fun!

Heidi {Tales From a Suburban Housewife} said...

Natalie,

I made your baked brie last night ...it was amazing! Thanks for the inspiration! I look forward to reading your blog each day.

Heidi

Bud and Leo said...

This. looks. so. delicious.! I can't wait to make it! Thank you for sharing :)

Alicia xoxxo said...

Yummy! Now I am hungry!! Looks delicious!!

Erin said...

This was so good, we ate it again last night (and you know how I feel about leftovers...lame.) It might even be lunch today. Somebody stop me!

Natalie said...

My hubby would love this! I might have to surprise him this weekend!

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

You are wonder woman...I can't believe all the fabulous things you make from scratch...my hubbs would be in heaven! (c: Looks totally amazing and I'm coming to your house for dinner, 'kay? Thanks. (c:

Bri said...

oh my word. you had me at heavy cream and 2 cups of cheese. it looked better and better with each picture as i scrolled down...must make this soon!

Anonymous said...

you ALWAYS make me drool! that looks delish -- and i always love giada's recipes..they're so good!

xo,
joAnn

Chassity (Look Linger Love) said...

I'd eat that :)

Nuha said...

Okay....I want some Manicotti now!

Jill said...

please stop posting theses amazing recipes, I am going to gain 20 pounds!! ;)

Michaela said...

Yum. This is my type of meal. I'm definitely a pasta girl!

Lili said...

ohmygosh ~ these looks so good!

erica said...

What a delicious recipe. Looks absolutely wonderful!

xo

The Daily Stroll said...

One word - YUM! Thanks for sharing. I will definitely be trying this!