Healthy Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Manicotti
Indulge in a wholesome twist on classic Italian comfort food with this Healthy Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Manicotti recipe. Tender manicotti shells are generously filled with a savory mixture of lean turkey sausage, fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and a trio of cheeses, then baked to perfection in zesty marinara sauce. Highlighting nutritious ingredients like protein-packed turkey and vibrant spinach, this dish delivers rich flavor without the guilt. With a gooey topping of melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil, it’s an irresistible, family-friendly dinner option that’s both hearty and healthy. Perfectly satisfying yet surprisingly easy to prepare, this baked manicotti is a must-try for your next dinner gathering!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Manicotti pasta
- 1 pound Turkey sausage (casings removed)
- 4 cups Fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.33 cup Grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 3 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the manicotti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them out on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
Fold the cooked turkey sausage and spinach mixture into the cheese mixture until evenly combined.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the sausage and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish over the marinara sauce.
Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti, ensuring they are completely covered.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove the baked manicotti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4033 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 177.3 g | 227% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.4 g | 327% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 771 mg | 257% | |
| Sodium | 8304 mg | 361% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 422.0 g | 153% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.2 g | 129% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.3 g | ||
| Protein | 217.2 g | 434% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2791 mg | 215% | |
| Iron | 33.6 mg | 187% | |
| Potassium | 3193 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
