Description
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti is a cozy, cheesy baked pasta that turns a simple dinner into something everyone looks forward to. Tender manicotti shells are filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, covered in rich marinara, and baked under melty mozzarella for an easy dinner, comforting family meal, and classic Italian-inspired pasta recipe that fits perfectly into your dinner ideas collection.
Ingredients
12 manicotti shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups chopped spinach
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells until just slightly under al dente. Drain carefully and lay them out so they do not stick.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, chopped spinach, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
3. Spoon the filling into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off, then fill each manicotti shell from both ends.
4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Arrange the filled manicotti in the dish in a single layer.
6. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top, covering the pasta evenly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella over the manicotti.
8. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve.
Notes
Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the spinach so the filling stays thick and creamy.
Slightly undercook the manicotti shells so they stay sturdy while filling and finish perfectly in the oven.
Let the baked manicotti rest before serving so the cheese filling sets and the portions hold together better.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
Keywords: spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti, stuffed manicotti recipe, easy dinner, baked pasta, vegetarian pasta dinner, family dinner, dinner ideas, comfort food