Indulge in a culinary journey with our exquisite Manicotti Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This traditional Italian dish features delicate manicotti pasta shells, lovingly filled with a velvety blend of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and herbs, then smothered in a rich tomato sauce that bursts with umami. Accompanying this main course are three additional recipes that will elevate your dining experience: a refreshing Spinach and Arugula Salad with tangy Lemon Vinaigrette, a luscious Roasted Red Pepper Sauce that adds a smoky sweetness to the manicotti, and a delectable Garlic Bread that perfectly soaks up the savory tomato sauce. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI
The creamy cheese filling in these yummy stuffed shells has a pretty flecks of spinach. Margaret Truxton, Pinehurst, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a small skillet, saute onion in oil for 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Set aside. , In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper; beat until smooth. Stir in onion mixture and spinach. Stuff into the manicotti shells., Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Arrange shells over sauce; top with remaining sauce., Cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 682 calories, Fat 38g fat (19g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 1418mg sodium, Carbohydrate 56g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 33g protein.
SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI
My husband says this dish is restaurant quality. It can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator overnight. Very filling and great served with a salad and garlic bread.
Provided by Ernie
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h5m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, onion and egg. Season with parsley, pepper and garlic powder. Mix in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. In a separate bowl, stir together spaghetti sauce and water.
- Spread 1 cup sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Stuff uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture, and arrange in a single layer in the dish. Cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until noodles are soft.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 576.1 calories, Carbohydrate 69 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 20.5 g, Fiber 9.2 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 1409.9 mg, Sugar 24.4 g
MANICOTTI
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- If using fresh spinach, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, and season generously with salt. Fill a medium bowl with ice water and season with salt. Boil the spinach until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, (keep the water in the pot boiling), and immediately plunge the spinach into the ice water. Drain and squeeze the excess water from the spinach, and finely chop. Alternatively, if using thawed spinach, simply squeeze, and finely chop. Set aside.
- In the same large pot of boiling water, cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and pat dry.
- Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Lightly beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Add the spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and 1/3 cup of the grated cheese and mix until evenly combined. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, the nutmeg and pepper. Spoon the cheese mixture into the manicotti shells and line them up in the baking dish. Cover with the remaining 2 cups sauce. Scatter the remaining 2/3 cup grated cheese on top and dot with the butter.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and season with pepper to taste. Use right away, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Yield: 3 1/2 cups
- Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.
MANICOTTI ALLA ROMANA
This rich meat, spinach and cheese filled manicotti dish is covered with white and red sauces. I offer this on the catering menu at my catering company and it is the most popular for casual dinner parties. It's a bit of work but well worth the effort.
Provided by markblau
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h50m
Yield 7
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onions until translucent. Saute garlic for 1 minute and stir in ground beef. Cook until well browned and crumbled. Season with salt and set aside to cool.
- Cook spinach according to package directions. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and parboil for half of the time recommended on the package. Drain and cover with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent the shells from cracking.
- To the ground beef mixture add the cooked spinach and ricotta cheese. When the mixture is cool, add the beaten eggs. Spread 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Gently drain the manicotti shells and carefully stuff each one with the meat and cheese mixture; place shells in prepared dish. Lightly cover the dish with plastic wrap or a clean, damp towel to prevent shells from cracking.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare the white sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and chicken bouillon. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble. Stir in half and half and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Pour or ladle the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Stir the basil into the remaining spaghetti sauce. Carefully pour or ladle spaghetti sauce over the white sauce, trying to layer the sauces without mixing.
- Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 611.7 calories, Carbohydrate 58.7 g, Cholesterol 134.2 mg, Fat 30.3 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 27.6 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 991.6 mg, Sugar 12.7 g
Tips:
- Choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and flavorful Parmesan cheese are essential.
- Be sure to thoroughly drain the spinach before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help prevent the manicotti from becoming soggy.
- Use a large pot to boil the manicotti shells. This will ensure that they have enough room to cook evenly.
- Cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions. Overcooking will make them mushy.
- When assembling the manicotti, be sure to stuff them tightly with the spinach and ricotta mixture. This will help them hold their shape.
- Bake the manicotti in a preheated oven until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the manicotti immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce.
Conclusion:
Spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to impress. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting pasta dish, give spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti a try. You won't be disappointed!
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