Pumpkin Sage Manicotti with Crispy Pancetta

The filling for the manicotti is made with both ricotta and mascarpone cheese for a rich and decadent baked pasta. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry holiday crowd.

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Pasta Range: Lasagne and Baked

Pasta Shape: Manicotti

Collection: New Favourites

Serves:

Calories: 405kcal

Ingredients

Filling:

1¾ cups canned pumpkin purée
¾ cup extra smooth ricotta
¼ cup mascarpone cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg yolk
2 cloves garlic minced
¼ tsp each salt and freshly ground pepper

Sage Béchamel Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
½ cup finely minced onion
⅓ cup finely chopped sage
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
¼ tsp each salt and freshly ground pepper
pinch freshly ground nutmeg

Assembly:

1 pkg Italpasta Manicotti
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup chopped pancetta

US - Metric

Instructions

Filling:

Stir pumpkin with ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg yolk, garlic and salt and pepper until smooth; set aside.

Sage Béchamel Sauce:

Melt butter in a saucepan set over medium heat. Add onions; cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until soft and lightly golden. Stir in sage, cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour. Cook stirring, for 2 minutes or until smooth. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. While stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Assembly:

Cook pasta according to package directions and cool. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (3 L) baking dish. Pour half the Béchamel Sauce into the prepared pan. Divide filling evenly among cooked manicotti and arrange in pan. Pour remaining béchamel over top. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil. Uncover and continue to bake for 10 to 15 minute or until heated through.
Meanwhile, cook pancetta in small skillet set over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Sprinkle with crispy pancetta over top of pasta. Serve immediately.

Tips

Omit the pancetta for a vegetarian baked pasta.

Nutritional Analysis