While pizzas are the stars of any pizzeria, the draw of Italian cuisine doesn’t stop there. Many pizzerias also offer a delightful range of traditional Italian dishes that can satisfy a craving for something a bit different. Among these, manicotti, lasagna rolls, and stuffed shells with ricotta hold a special place for those in search of comforting, cheesy goodness. Mama Mead’s Pizzeria would like to share how you can find these delicious dishes at a pizzeria near you and what to expect from each.
Common Types of Pasta Dishes
Before diving into where to find them, let’s briefly look at what each dish typically includes:
• Manicotti: These are large pasta tubes filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, herbs, and sometimes spinach. After stuffing, the manicotti are laid in a baking dish, covered with tomato sauce and mozzarella, then baked until bubbly.
• Lasagna Rolls: A creative twist on traditional lasagna, lasagna rolls are made by spreading a filling of ricotta cheese, meat, vegetables, or a combination of these on lasagna noodles. The noodles are then rolled up and placed in a baking dish, covered in sauce and cheese, and baked.
• Stuffed Shells with Ricotta: This dish consists of large shell-shaped pasta that’s stuffed with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, herbs, and sometimes spinach or minced meat. Like manicotti, they are baked in a sauce and covered with plenty of melted cheese.
Finding the Dishes at a Local Pizzeria
• Check the Menu Online: The easiest way to find out if your local pizzeria offers these dishes is to check their menu online. Most restaurants list their full menu, along with descriptions and sometimes photos of their dishes.
• Look for Italian Specialty Pizzerias: Pizzerias that emphasize their Italian roots or that brand themselves as Italian restaurants are more likely to offer a broader range of traditional Italian pasta dishes, including manicotti, lasagna rolls, and stuffed shells.
What to Look For
• Freshness of Ingredients: Quality is key in these cheese-laden, baked pasta dishes. Fresh ricotta and real mozzarella can make a significant difference in taste. Ask if the pizzeria uses fresh cheese or makes their sauce in-house.
• Preparation Style: Authenticity can vary widely, so you might want to know whether the dishes are made in a traditional style. Some pizzerias might add their unique twist to the recipes, which can be a delightful experience in itself.
• Portion Size: These dishes are typically quite filling. Ensure the portion sizes justify the price and that there’s enough to satisfy your appetite, possibly even some to take home.
Pairing Your Meal
When ordering these rich and savory pasta dishes, consider what to pair them with. A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the cheese and pasta, while a glass of Italian red wine or a crisp white can complement the flavors beautifully.
Restaurant Offering Dine-In, Pick-Up, Delivery & Catering of Pizza, Wings, Salads & More in Longmont, CO (Just Minutes from Boulder, Hygiene, Lyons, Niwot, Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield, Berthoud, Loveland & Denver Colorado)
Exploring beyond pizza at your local pizzeria can lead you to discover some of the most heartwarming dishes Italian cuisine has to offer. Manicotti, lasagna rolls, and stuffed shells with ricotta are perfect examples of comfort food that can make your dining experience even more memorable. By knowing how to find these dishes and what makes them special, you can turn your next pizzeria visit into a delightful Italian feast. When looking for some great tasty pasta, pizza and more, come on down to Mama Mead’s Pizzeria today.
