Description
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti is a cozy baked pasta dish filled with creamy ricotta, tender spinach, Parmesan, and mozzarella, all tucked into manicotti shells, covered in marinara sauce, and baked until hot and bubbly.
Ingredients
12 manicotti shells
15 ounces ricotta cheese
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 1/2 cups marinara sauce, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain carefully, rinse with cool water, and place the shells on a lightly oiled tray so they do not stick together.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and parsley until evenly combined.
4. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off, then fill each manicotti shell from both ends.
5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer in the dish.
7. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
9. Let the manicotti rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Squeeze the spinach very well so the filling stays thick and creamy instead of watery.
Cook the manicotti just to al dente so the shells stay intact while filling and baking.
Let the baked manicotti rest before serving so the filling sets slightly and plates more neatly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: spinach ricotta stuffed manicotti, baked manicotti, vegetarian pasta bake, ricotta pasta dinner