Name: Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz Manicotti Pasta, cooked until al dente; 2 cups Ricotta Cheese; 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, hand shredded; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1 Egg; 1/4 cup Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and drained well; Salt and Pepper to taste; 1 tbsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Oregano; 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning; 3 cups Tomato Sauce (homemade or jarred)

Imagine tender pasta tubes brimming with a velvety mix of cheeses and spinach, all snug under a blanket of bubbling, savory tomato sauce. That’s what you get with Spinach and Cheese Manicotti—a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian-American classic that’s both heartwarming and easy to make. Every forkful mingles creamy ricotta, tangy Parmesan, stretchy mozzarella, and vibrant spinach, turning a simple weeknight into a celebration. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining guests, this recipe guarantees everyone asks for seconds.

Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spinach and Cheese Manicotti comes from how a pretty simple list of ingredients transforms into something truly special. Every item brings its own unique flavor, color, or texture, and together they make each bite absolutely irresistible.

Manicotti Pasta: These sturdy tubes perfectly cradle the creamy filling, staying tender but holding their shape after baking. Cook them al dente for best results!
Ricotta Cheese: This gives the filling its luscious creaminess and mild flavor—don’t skip on the quality here!
Mozzarella Cheese: Hand-shredded mozzarella adds those signature gooey, stretchy pulls that everyone loves on baked pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings salty, nutty depth that wakes up every other flavor in the dish.
Egg: Just one egg is all you need to bind the cheese filling and give it that perfect fluffy texture.
Frozen Chopped Spinach: Make sure it’s thawed and drained very well—excess moisture is the enemy of a rich filling!
Tomato Sauce: Homemade or good-quality jarred sauce gives the manicotti their vibrant color and savory base. Be generous!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and really letting the cheese and spinach flavors shine.
Garlic Powder: A pantry-friendly way to infuse subtle garlicky warmth throughout the filling.
Oregano: One teaspoon adds classic Italian herbal notes that tie the whole dish together.
Italian Seasoning: This all-in-one blend delivers depth and complexity with every sprinkle.

How to Make Spinach and Cheese Manicotti

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect environment for your manicotti to bake up golden and bubbly. While the oven heats, spread 2 cups of your favorite tomato sauce across the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish—this not only prevents sticking but also infuses each bite with extra flavor.

Step 2: Mix Your Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the ricotta cheese, two cups of shredded mozzarella, all the Parmesan, the egg, well-drained spinach, and the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and Italian seasoning). Give everything a good stir—it should look creamy, well mixed, and flecked with green from the spinach.

Step 3: Fill the Manicotti

Once your manicotti tubes are cooked to a perfect al dente and cooled just enough to handle, it’s time for the fun part! Using a spoon or piping bag, gently fill each tube with the spinach and cheese mixture. Don’t rush—filling them generously ensures every bite is deliciously cheesy.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Arrange your filled manicotti in the sauce-lined baking dish, snuggling them side by side so they don’t tip over while baking. Pour the remaining cup of tomato sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle everything with the last cup of mozzarella for that irresistible, melty finish.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Slide your assembled dish into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let your manicotti cool for a few minutes to set, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm. Get ready for requests for seconds!

How to Serve Spinach and Cheese Manicotti

Garnishes

A bright sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil over your Spinach and Cheese Manicotti adds fresh color and a pop of herbal flavor. For an extra-special touch, try grating a bit more Parmesan right before serving for a salty, aromatic finish everyone will love.

Side Dishes

This dish is comfort on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or simply some warm garlic bread for scooping up all that gorgeous sauce. Roasted vegetables make a colorful, healthy accompaniment that rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Spinach and Cheese Manicotti in individual gratin dishes for dinner parties—a little flair goes a long way! Or, for a family-style feast, arrange the manicotti in a big serving platter surrounded by roasted cherry tomatoes and extra fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the manicotti to an airtight container. Refrigerated, your Spinach and Cheese Manicotti will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it a great lunch or quick dinner later in the week.

Freezing

This recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Assemble the manicotti right up to the baking step, wrap well with both plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer (just add extra time) or thaw overnight in the fridge before popping it in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your manicotti with foil to keep them from drying out, and bake in a 350 degree oven until heated through—about 20 minutes should do. For a microwave option, use shorter bursts of medium heat and cover with a damp paper towel for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, let it cool, and chop well before adding to your cheese mixture. Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid to keep your filling nice and creamy.

Do I really need to cook the manicotti pasta before filling?

Yes, pre-cooking the manicotti ensures they’re pliable and cook evenly in the oven. Al dente is best; overcooked pasta may break when filling, so handle with care!

Can I make Spinach and Cheese Manicotti ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake as usual (add a few extra minutes since the dish will be cold).

What’s the best way to fill manicotti tubes?

A small spoon works, but a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off can make filling quicker and cleaner. Either way, take your time to ensure every tube is filled from end to end for maximum deliciousness!

Can I add protein to the filling?

Definitely. For a heartier dish, mix in cooked crumbled sausage or ground chicken to the cheese and spinach—or simply serve alongside your favorite protein for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that truly feels like a hug from the inside, Spinach and Cheese Manicotti is the ultimate comfort meal. Try it out, play with your favorite touches, and make it your own—these cheesy, savory pasta rolls are bound to become a regular request at your table!

Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Spinach and Cheese Manicotti