Make Ahead Spinach Manicotti
Elevate your pasta night with this comforting, crowd-pleasing Make Ahead Spinach Manicotti recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this dish features tender manicotti shells stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, combined with nutritious spinach and fragrant herbs like basil and oregano. Topped with rich marinara sauce and an irresistible layer of melted mozzarella, this baked Italian classic is packed with flavor and easily prepared in advance—just assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready. With a prep time of only 30 minutes and enough to serve six, this spinach manicotti ensures a stress-free, wholesome meal that everyone will love. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this cheesy baked pasta masterpiece will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces manicotti shells
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, thawed and squeezed-dry spinach, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the ricotta-spinach mixture into a large piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner cut off.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish in a single layer.
Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Let the manicotti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4066 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.9 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 84.1 g | 420% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 891 mg | 297% | |
| Sodium | 6995 mg | 304% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 431.2 g | 157% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.1 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.9 g | ||
| Protein | 227.5 g | 455% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 4992 mg | 384% | |
| Iron | 17.3 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 2489 mg | 53% | |
*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.
