Best 12 Spinach Cheese Manicotti Meatless Recipes

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**Unveil a Culinary Symphony: Spinach-Cheese Manicotti, a Meatless Masterpiece**

Embark on a culinary adventure with spinach-cheese manicotti, a delectable meatless dish that captivates taste buds and nourishes the soul. This Italian classic features tender manicotti shells overflowing with a luscious filling of spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, bathed in a rich tomato sauce and sprinkled with gooey mozzarella cheese. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, a testament to the culinary artistry that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Explore our collection of manicotti recipes, ranging from traditional to innovative, each offering a unique take on this beloved dish.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MANICOTTI



Manicotti image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound fresh spinach, tough stems removed, or a 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 manicotti shells
3 cups Marinara Sauce, recipe follows
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (about 1 pound)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a mixture of half Pecorino and Parmesan
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, diced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 medium onion, diced (about 3 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices (3 1/2 cups), roughly chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

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.

SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI



Spinach Cheese Manicotti image

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

1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
8 manicotti shells, cooked and drained
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce

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 MANICOTTI



Spinach Manicotti image

Stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach, this Italian-style entree is flavorful and filling. I particularly like this meatless dish because I don't have to cook the pasta before assembling. -Mary Steiner of West Bend, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 carton (15 ounces) fat-free ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups tomato juice
1 cup chunky salsa
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
14 uncooked manicotti shells

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, spinach, sour cream, bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder. , Combine the tomato juice, salsa and crushed tomatoes; spread 1 cup sauce in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Stuff uncooked manicotti with spinach mixture; arrange over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over manicotti., Cover and bake at 350° for 55 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake 15 minutes longer or until noodles are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 782mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI



Spinach Cheese Manicotti image

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

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
½ cup minced onion
1 egg
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
1 ½ cups water
1 (8 ounce) package manicotti shells

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

KITTENCAL'S SPINACH & FOUR-CHEESE MANICOTTI (VEGETARIAN)



Kittencal's Spinach & Four-Cheese Manicotti (Vegetarian) image

I have been making this recipe for years, it is *the best* manicotti recipe hands down! --- I have made this many times for dinner parties and have made it for socials and large gatherings increasing amounts of coarse, I have even served this at my Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday table as an extra dish along with a turkey or ham --- to save time I always mix up the filling a day ahead and refrigerate this will also give the flavors a chance to blend together, or you may prepare up to step #9 cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours --- don't forget to cook the spinach first before using for this recipe

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 manicotti

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (optional)
2 teaspoons fresh garlic (no more than that or the garlic will overpower the other ingredients!)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (can use a bit more)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (can use more)
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
salt (to taste I use seasoned salt)
1/2-1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (cooked according to package directions, then hand-squeezed dry to remove excess moisture)
8 manicotti, cooked and drained (you might use more shells so I would cook 10)
4 -6 cups marinara sauce (see my Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian))
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (or to taste)
mozzarella cheese, for topping (any amount desired)

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  • In a skillet, saute onion (if using) in oil for about 4 minutes or until softened (adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes).
  • In a mixing bowl combine the ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cup mozza cheese, cream cheese, 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning; beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and well combined.
  • Season with white salt or seasoned salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Stir in onion mixture and spinach; mix well to combine.
  • Spoon into cooked and cooled manicotti shells.
  • Pour half of the pasta sauce into the prepared baking dish.
  • Arrange shells over sauce (at this point you may cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or continue with the recipe as follows).
  • Top with the remaining sauce, use a spoon to spread the sauce over the shells (the sauce does not have to cover the shells completely).
  • Sprinkle about 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (or to taste) over the sauce.
  • Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Uncover and top with mozzeralla cheese (any amount desired).
  • Bake 5 mins longer, or until cheese is melted.
  • Let stand 10 mins before serving.
  • Note; If desired the spinach can be omitted completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.9, Fat 26.4, SaturatedFat 12.2, Cholesterol 64.7, Sodium 880.7, Carbohydrate 22.2, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 12.5, Protein 17.1

SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI (MEATLESS)



Spinach Cheese Manicotti (Meatless) image

Adapted from Taste of Home magazine. Prep time also includes time to cook the manicotti noodles. I added cinnamon and nutmeg to the mixture, to taste. Make sure you squeeze the thawed spinach as dry as possible.

Provided by HeatherFeather

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (canola or olive)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded,divided (4 ounces)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated,divided
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
8 manicotti, cooked and drained acording to package directions
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/8-1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8-1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • In a small skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil for about 3 minutes, set aside.
  • In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, just 1/2 cup of the mozarella, all of the cream cheese, just 4 Tbsp of the Parmesan,the Italian seasoning, and the pepper until smooth.
  • Add the onion mixture to the cheese mixture, along with the spinach (along with a dash to taste of both freshly grated nutmeg and some cinnamon).
  • Fill the cooked manicotti noodles either with a spoon or by piping the mixture (using a decorating bag or a ziptop bag with one end snipped off).
  • Pour half of the sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13" casserole.
  • Place filled manicotti in the pan on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
  • Cover an bake at 350 F 25 minutes.
  • Remove the cover, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and bake another 5-10 minutes more to melt cheese.

SPINACH MANICOTTI WITH LEMON



Spinach Manicotti with Lemon image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups ricotta
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
12 dried lasagna sheets or 12 fresh pasta sheets
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
One 5-ounce package baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup finely grated Pecorino-Romano, plus more for serving
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Grated zest (with some pith) of 1 large lemon plus juice of 1/2 lemon
Leaves from 8 sprigs fresh tarragon, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

Steps:

  • Place the ricotta in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl. Loosely cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the ricotta for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Position a rack in the center of the oven.
  • Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna sheets and stir with a large slotted spoon to ensure that the pasta does not stick as it cooks. Cook until still quite firm, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large bowl (you'll use the empty pot later). Gently toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to coat. (This is more pasta than you will need, but the extra noodles are backups for any that might break.)
  • In a large saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the spinach, then sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring, just long enough to wilt, 30 to 45 seconds. Quickly remove the pan from the heat and transfer the spinach to a kitchen towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
  • Return the medium pot to medium heat, then add the cream and garlic and bring to a gentle simmer, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the Worcestershire, hot sauce and 1/2 cup pecorino. Spoon enough of the sauce to lightly coat the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, spread the ricotta out on the bottom and up the sides of the bowl (so the seasoning coats most of the cheese). Add the egg and sprinkle with salt. Mix to combine. Add pepper, the lemon zest, lemon juice, tarragon and the remaining 1/2 cup pecorino. Mix to combine. Add the sauteed spinach, reserving some for garnish. Add the allspice and combine thoroughly.
  • Arrange the lasagna sheets on a clean, flat surface with the longer sides of the rectangles facing you. Place about 3 tablespoons ricotta on the edge of the sheet closest to you, leaving a little room on either end. Gently roll the pasta up into a tube away from you and place inside the prepared baking dish, seam-side down. Repeat with the remaining pasta and filling, taking care that the manicotti are snug in the baking dish.
  • Cover the manicotti with about three-quarters of the sauce. (Keep the remaining sauce warm.) Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake until lightly browned and the filling is hot in the center when pierced with the tip of a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Warm the remaining sauce and spoon it over the manicotti. Sprinkle the top with the reserved spinach and freshly grated Pecorino-Romano. Serve warm.

SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI



Spinach Cheese Manicotti image

Make and share this Spinach Cheese Manicotti recipe from Food.com.

Provided by weekend cooker

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h

Yield 6 , 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 onion, minced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons oil
1 (15 ounce) carton ricotta cheese
1 (3 ounce) package softened cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (3 ounce) package grated parmesan cheese, divided
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed, and drained
9 manicotti, cooked, drained on wax paper
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • .In a skillet, saute onion and garlicin oil and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, half the mozzarella, half the parmesan, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and beat until well mixed.
  • Drain spinach with several paper towels and squeeze until spinach is well drained.
  • Add spinach and onion to cheese mixture and mix well.
  • Spoon this mixture into manicotti shells, using 1 teaspoon at a time.
  • Be careful not to tear shells.
  • Pour half of spaghetti sauce in bottom of 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Arrange shells over the sauce and top with remaining sauce.
  • Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven , uncover and sprinkle remaining cheeses over top.
  • Return to oven until cheese melts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 709, Fat 50.4, SaturatedFat 26.1, Cholesterol 145.5, Sodium 1451.8, Carbohydrate 26.3, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 12.2, Protein 39.3

SPINACH AND CHEESE MANICOTTI



Spinach and Cheese Manicotti image

Oh, how I love Italian food! I especially love those dishes like this one, made with delicious cheeses! I use a slightly sweet marinara sauce, but use whatever recipe you like. Delizioso!

Provided by Irishcolleen

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
12 manicotti noodles
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated and divided
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground pepper
3 cups of your favorite marinara sauce, divided
fresh parsley (to garnish)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, and season generously with salt. Cook according to package directions. Drain and squeeze the excess water from the spinach.
  • Cook the pasta shells until al dente, tender but still slightly firm. Drain and pat dry.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cover the bottom of a 9- x 13-inch ovenproof baking dish with 1 cup of the marinara sauce.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, evenly combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and 1/3 cup of the Parmesan, the eggs, garlic and the spinach. Season with the 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.
  • Spoon the cheese mixture into the manicotti shell and line them up in the baking dish.
  • Cover with the remaining sauce. Scatter the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.7, Fat 22.2, SaturatedFat 11.9, Cholesterol 125.3, Sodium 1203, Carbohydrate 23.1, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 12.2, Protein 23.6

CHEESY SPINACH MANICOTTI



Cheesy Spinach Manicotti image

Loved these! Substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta cheese, & grated Romano cheese for the Parmesan, if you choose. It is possible to substitute frozen, chopped broccoli for spinach. Found in Kraft's Food & Family.

Provided by Manami

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h25m

Yield 14 filled shells, 7 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 egg whites
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, divided
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
2 -4 pinches crushed red pepper flakes
8 ounces cooked manicotti, well drained (14 shells)
2 cups spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray.
  • Add mushrooms and garlic; cook 5 minute on medium heat, stirring frequently.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Beat egg whites lightly in medium bowl.
  • Add mushroom mixture, spinach, ricotta cheese and half each of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; mix well.
  • Check for seasoning.
  • Spoon evenly into manicotti shells.
  • Place in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Cover with spaghetti sauce.
  • BAKE 40 minutes or until heated through.
  • Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; continue baking 5 minute or until mozzarella cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311.4, Fat 9.1, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 24.1, Sodium 553.7, Carbohydrate 39.1, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 8.2, Protein 19

CHEESE SPINACH MANICOTTI



Cheese Spinach Manicotti image

No one will even miss the meat in this hearty, delicious meal. Cream cheese and cottage cheese beef up the filling and give this lasagna-like dish a creamy base. -Julie Lower, Katy, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cans (8 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup dry red wine or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
FILLING:
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese
1-1/4 cups 2% cottage cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, wine, Italian seasoning, sugar and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, for filling, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cottage cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, eggs and salt., Stuff cream cheese mixture into uncooked manicotti shells. Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spay. Arrange manicotti over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top., Cover and bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until pasta is tender. Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 722mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

MAKE-AHEAD SPINACH MANICOTTI



Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti image

When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. -Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 carton (15 ounces) whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
3 jars (24 ounces each) spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and seasonings. In another large bowl, mix spaghetti sauce and water; spread 1 cup into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Fill uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture; arrange over sauce. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce mixture over top. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, uncovered, 40-50 minutes or until manicotti is tender. Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 363 calories, Fat 16g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 822mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 22g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has a more vibrant flavor and texture than frozen spinach. If you're using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it and squeeze out all of the excess water before using it.
  • Don't overcook the manicotti shells: Manicotti shells should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked manicotti shells will be mushy and difficult to stuff.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: The combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses gives this dish a rich and flavorful filling. You can also add other cheeses, such as Asiago or fontina, to taste.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with the sauce: The tomato sauce is a classic choice for manicotti, but you can also use other sauces, such as Alfredo sauce or pesto. You can also add vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to the sauce.
  • Serve manicotti with a side of garlic bread or salad: Manicotti is a hearty dish, so it's nice to serve it with a light side dish. Garlic bread or salad are both good options.

Conclusion:

Spinach cheese manicotti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With a few simple tips, you can make spinach cheese manicotti that is sure to impress your family and friends.

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