How long do I cook manicotti in water before baking?

Question

I'm making stuffed manicotti which I will bake in the oven at 350 for 40 minutes. The box says to cook the shells for 7 minutes in boiling water. Is that what I should do even if I'm going to bake them for 40 minutes?

Answer 1

The instructions on the box are correct (as they've been tested by the manufacturer). The shells will still be firm. They will probably just be al dente and will continue to soften once you've stuffed and baked them. You can cover them with foil for most of the baking process. Then, uncover them and run the pan under the broiler to get that beautiful toasty brown on top...if you so desire.

Answer 2

Supposedly, yes.  But I never boil my manicotti or lasagna before assembling.  Lasagna gets softened in a pitcher of hot tap water, just so it gets flexible to fit in the corners of the pan.  But not manicotti.  MUCH easier to fill stiff.  Just be srue to bake 3/4 of the way thru w/ foil on, then remove foil, top w/ cheese, and finish baking.

Answer 3

I don't know all the pasta's

man�i�cot�ti

NOUN:

1: Pasta in large-sized tubes.

2: A dish consisting of such tubes stuffed with meat or cheese, usually served hot with a tomato sauce

Pasta needs about 20± minuets to be aldente...BUT Please,,

cut the time back,, you are going to stuff them and then continue to cook 20 - 30 min >>

I think you might try just until they are flexible 8 min??

EDIT

now I go back and see you knew this already

Answer 4

Yes boil the shells first.  Once the water is boiling add the shells to the water.  Mix up the stuffing while they are boiling.  Keep checking them though because you dont want them overcooked or they will fall apart.  You may need to taste one or two to make sure they are done.  Then gently stuff them.  Hope it turns out great!