Definition

Noun: 1. A type of large, tubular pasta: Manicotti refers to a specific pasta shape characterized by large, hollow tubes, typically ridged on the outside. 2. A baked pasta dish: More commonly, "manicotti" refers to the completed dish where these pasta tubes are stuffed (usually with a filling like cheese, meat, or vegetables), covered in a sauce (often tomato or béchamel), and baked.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to the pasta shape):
  • For the recipe, you will need twelve pieces of manicotti.
  • The manicotti shells need to be boiled until they are al dente before stuffing.
• Noun (referring to the dish):
  • We're having cheese manicotti for dinner tonight.
  • Her homemade manicotti is always the highlight of the family gathering.

Advanced Usage

• The word "manicotti" is typically used as a mass noun when referring to the dish (e.g., "I love manicotti") but can be a count noun when referring to individual pasta tubes (e.g., "stuff each manicotti").
• In Italian, "manicotti" literally means "little muffs" or "little sleeves," which describes the shape of the pasta tube.

Variants and Related Words

• Cannelloni: A very similar, if not identical, large tubular pasta and dish. The terms are often used interchangeably in English, though some regional distinctions exist in Italy.
• Pasta: The general category of Italian food made from dough.
• Al forno: An Italian term meaning "baked in the oven," often used to describe dishes like baked manicotti.

Synonyms

• Baked pasta dish (when referring to the completed meal).
• Pasta tubes (when referring to the uncooked pasta shape).

Related Phrases

• Stuffed manicotti: This phrase emphasizes the defining characteristic of the dish.
  • The menu features stuffed manicotti with ricotta and spinach.
• Baked manicotti: This phrase specifies the cooking method.
  • Baked manicotti with meat sauce is a classic comfort food.

Noun

1. large pasta tubes stuffed with chopped meat or mild cheese and baked in tomato sauce