Description
This Cheesy Spinach Manicotti is a comforting and hearty pasta dish that features tender manicotti shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara sauce and generous layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
16–20 pieces Manicotti shells
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 small Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 package (10 ounces) Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
2 cups (16 ounces) Ricotta cheese
1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese, plus 1 cup for topping
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese, plus 1/4 cup for topping
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 jar (24 ounces) Marinara sauce
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Manicotti Shells: Boil salted water, cook manicotti shells per package for al dente, drain, and cool
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil, sauté onion until translucent, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute
- Prepare the Spinach: Thaw and squeeze all moisture from spinach, then sauté with onion and garlic
- Make the Cheesy Filling: Combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, oregano, basil, and spinach mixture in a bowl; season with salt and pepper
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread marinara sauce in a baking dish
- Stuff the Manicotti: Fill each shell with the cheese filling
- Arrange and Sauce: Place filled shells in baking dish and top with remaining marinara sauce
- Add Final Cheeses: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes
- Rest and Serve: Let sit for 5-10 minutes, garnish with parsley before serving
Notes
Use a piping bag for easy filling of the manicotti shells.
Resting the dish after baking allows easier serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 manicotti
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg