Spinach Cheese Manicotti Meatless
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Spinach Cheese Manicotti, a hearty meatless dish that's perfect for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike. This recipe features tender manicotti shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, combined with fresh sautéed spinach and fragrant herbs like Italian seasoning and garlic. The stuffed pasta is nestled under a blanket of rich marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy, satisfying bite. With just 25 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this baked pasta dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it hot alongside a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Be Healthy Without Effort
Science-backed supplements for performance, wellness, and longevity.
Optimize your body chemistry naturally
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 14 pieces manicotti shells
- 8 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until just slightly undercooked. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Finely chop the cooked spinach and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In the same bowl, add the ricotta cheese, 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix everything until well combined.
Spread 1½ cups of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the spinach and cheese mixture. Place the filled shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring all are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
685 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.3 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.6 g | 73% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 138 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 1023 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.5 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 35.7 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 593 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 200 mg | 4% | |
*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.
