Turkey Manicotti

What is Turkey Manicotti?

Turkey Manicotti is a delightful and satisfying Italian-inspired dish that brings comfort to any dining table. This scrumptious meal features crepes filled with a savory mixture of cooked turkey and creamy cheeses, all topped with rich marinara sauce. Ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, Turkey Manicotti is a fantastic way to enjoy leftovers while treating your taste buds to a gourmet experience.

Ingredients & Measurements for Turkey Manicotti

– 2 eggs
– ¾ cup all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup water
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon olive oil
– 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– ½ cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
– ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
– Salt, to taste
– 1 teaspoon olive oil (more if needed)
– 1 ½ cups marinara sauce, divided
– 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
– ⅓ cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
– 1 tablespoon shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish
– 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley for garnish

How Long Does It Take to Make Turkey Manicotti?

Making Turkey Manicotti from scratch is a rewarding experience that can fit into any busy schedule. With a preparation time of approximately one hour, plus 45 minutes of baking, you can have this homemade dish ready to serve in about an hour and a half. The flavors of the turkey and cheese meld beautifully during baking, making this recipe not only popular but also one of the best choices for a comforting meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy recipe is perfect to impress your family and friends.

How to Make Turkey Manicotti (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2: Prepare the Crepe Batter

In a bowl, combine 2 eggs, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup water, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon of olive oil. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 3: Make the Turkey Filling

In another bowl, mix together 1 cup cooked turkey (diced), 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, 1 egg, ½ cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram, ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley. Blend until well combined, then add salt to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Crepes

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and brush it with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Pour about ¼ cup of the crepe batter into the skillet, tilting it to cover the bottom evenly. Cook until the crepe is dry on the bottom, about 60 to 90 seconds, then flip and cook for another 60 to 90 seconds until lightly browned. Repeat this process to make a total of 6 crepes.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×12-inch baking dish. Use a brush to coat the sides of the dish with ½ teaspoon of olive oil.

Step 6: Fill the Crepes

Take a cooked crepe, placing the dimpled side face down on a clean surface. Spoon ⅓ to ½ cup of the turkey filling down the center of the crepe. Roll the crepe over the filling and tuck in the ends if desired. Place the filled crepe seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this step for the remaining crepes and filling.

Step 7: Assemble the Manicotti

Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the center third of the filled crepes. Sprinkle ⅓ cup of shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top and drizzle with the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of olive oil.

Step 8: Bake the Manicotti

Bake the manicotti in the preheated oven until they are slightly browned and puffed, which should take about 45 minutes. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish each serving with a tablespoon of shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a sprinkle of chopped Italian parsley, if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Manicotti

– Ensure your crepes are cooked evenly by using a nonstick skillet and allowing it to preheat properly.
– For an easy to make and quick recipe, have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking.
– Use leftover turkey for the best homemade flavor.
– Taste the turkey filling before using, adjusting salt as necessary for the best balance of flavors.

Best Cooking Techniques for Turkey Manicotti

Creating Perfect Crepes

To achieve the ideal crepe texture, ensure your skillet is adequately preheated and use a nonstick surface. A quick and even pour of batter will help create a uniform layer, and tilting the skillet allows the batter to spread out evenly. Cook until set before flipping to avoid tearing.

Mixing Filling Ingredients

For a well-blended turkey filling, mix all ingredients in a large bowl thoroughly. Adjust the consistency with more ricotta or turkey as needed to ensure it can be easily spooned onto the crepes.

Layering Sauces

Start by spreading marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Layering is key—adding sauce over the filled manicotti helps to keep them juicy during baking.

Monitoring Baking Time

Keep an eye on your manicotti while baking. The goal is a slight browning on the top and a puffed appearance. If they are browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Allowing to Rest

After removing the manicotti from the oven, let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

FAQs About Turkey Manicotti

How long should I cook Turkey Manicotti?

Turkey manicotti should be baked for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until slightly browned and puffed.

Can I make Turkey Manicotti ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Turkey Manicotti in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it is cold.

Can I freeze Turkey Manicotti?

Yes, Turkey Manicotti can be frozen. Assemble, then wrap tightly and freeze before baking. To cook from frozen, increase the baking time to ensure the center is heated through.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You may use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute for ricotta. Blending these alternatives can help achieve a similar creamy texture.

Is Turkey Manicotti gluten-free?

Traditional manicotti uses all-purpose flour for crepes, making it gluten-containing. To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blends suitable for crepes.

Final Thoughts on Turkey Manicotti

Chef John’s Turkey Manicotti is a delightful dish that combines tender crepes with a savory turkey and cheese filling, all smothered in marinara sauce and baked to perfection. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds craving more. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover turkey! Serve it up with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will adore.

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