Indulge in the comforting and flavorful delight of this Spinach Cheese Stuffed Manicotti recipe, a perfect blend of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and fresh spinach nestled inside tender pasta shells. Infused with aromatic garlic and a touch of Italian seasoning, these manicotti are baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce and finished with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish strikes the perfect balance of elegance and heartiness. With an easy-to-follow recipe and prep completed in just 20 minutes, this vegetarian classic will quickly become your go-to for effortless Italian-inspired comfort food. Serve with a fresh salad and garlic bread for an unforgettable meal!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the manicotti shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until they are al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked spinach mixture, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the cheese and spinach filling into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off. Carefully pipe the filling into each cooked manicotti shell until they are fully stuffed.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, ensuring all the shells are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on 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 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Spinach Cheese Stuffed Manicotti warm!
Calories |
3909 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.3 g | 200% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.4 g | 387% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 722 mg | 241% | |
| Sodium | 6316 mg | 275% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 430.6 g | 157% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.4 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.8 g | ||
| Protein | 209.4 g | 419% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 4522 mg | 348% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 2458 mg | 52% | |
*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.