Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti
This spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner, easy recipe night, or even special occasions. Tender pasta tubes are filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture, then baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. Whether you're looking for dinner ideas, a healthy snack-style comfort meal, or satisfying food ideas, this dish delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- 2. Cook manicotti shells in salted boiling water until al dente then drain and cool
- 3. Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted then cool and squeeze out excess moisture
- 4. Mix ricotta spinach egg garlic parmesan half mozzarella salt pepper and Italian seasoning
- 5. Spread marinara sauce on baking dish base
- 6. Stuff manicotti shells with filling
- 7. Arrange in dish and cover with sauce
- 8. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan
- 9. Cover and bake 25 minutes
- 10. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until golden
- 11. Rest 5–10 minutes garnish and serve
Notes
Always drain spinach thoroughly to avoid watery filling
Slightly undercook pasta to prevent over-soft texture
Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 650mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g
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