Name: Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz box Manicotti Pasta, cooked until al dente; 2 cups Ricotta Cheese; 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, divided, hand shredded; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1 Egg; ¼ cup Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and drained very well; Salt and Pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Oregano; 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning; 3 cups Tomato Sauce (homemade or jarred)

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe. This Italian-inspired favorite combines tender manicotti tubes generously packed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and vibrant spinach, all nestled in a rich tomato sauce that bakes to bubbly perfection. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or a special weekend treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several layers of ingredients. The bottom layer shows a raw egg yolk with a bright yellow color, surrounded by some grated white cheese and some leafy green pieces scattered around the edges. Above this, there is a large mound of finely shredded pale yellow cheese piled high in the center, sprinkled with a generous amount of black ground pepper and other fine seasonings. The green leafy bits are placed sporadically around the cheese, adding contrast to the light colors. A container of ricotta cheese is slightly visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe shine. Each component plays its part, from the creamy cheeses adding luscious texture to the spinach bringing a fresh pop of color and nutrition. The tomato sauce ties everything together with its vibrant flavor, while the seasonings elevate the dish to truly irresistible levels.

8 oz box Manicotti Pasta: Cooked just until al dente so they hold the filling perfectly without getting mushy.
2 cups Ricotta Cheese: The creamy base that makes the filling luxuriously smooth and mild.
3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, hand shredded: Adds gooey meltiness both inside and scattered on top.
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness.
1 Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the filling together beautifully.
¼ cup Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and drained very well: Brings vibrant color, earthy flavor, and a boost of greens.
3 cups Tomato Sauce (homemade or jarred): The flavorful bed your manicotti will bake in, keeping everything saucy and delicious.
Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance the flavors.
1 tbsp Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic hint that complements the cheese wonderfully.
1 teaspoon Oregano: Classic Italian herb that adds brightness and depth.
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the dish with authentic flavor.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when the manicotti are assembled. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with about 2 cups of tomato sauce. This creates a flavorful base to keep the pasta moist and infuses it with delicious tanginess during baking.

Step 2: Make the Cheese and Spinach Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, the egg, thawed and drained spinach, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a creamy, well-seasoned filling with a perfect balance of cheesy richness and savory herbs.

Step 3: Fill the Manicotti Shells

Using a spoon, carefully fill each manicotti pasta tube with the cheesy spinach mixture. Take your time here because a generous filling ensures every bite is packed with flavor and creamy texture. Placing them side by side in the baking dish creates a beautiful presentation and helps them bake evenly.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Finish with Cheese

Once all the manicotti are snug in the dish, spoon a bit more tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. This step adds a luscious cheesy topping that will bubble and brown slightly in the oven, giving you that gorgeous, irresistible crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set but still stay meltingly creamy.

How to Serve Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with cannelloni pasta tubes covered in bright red tomato sauce and melted white cheese sprinkled with green herbs. One pasta tube is being lifted out with a white spatula, showing the smooth, baked texture and sauce coating. The pasta is arranged in a single layer in the dish with melted cheese and herbs scattered evenly on top. The background shows green grass, and the dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves adds a fresh herbal note and brightens the rich flavors beautifully. You could also crack some fresh black pepper on top for a slight kick and rustic charm.

Side Dishes

Serve your manicotti with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread is another excellent choice to scoop up any extra sauce and make the meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful dinner party, plate each manicotti individually on elegant dishes with a drizzle of extra tomato sauce and scatter some toasted pine nuts or a light dusting of parmesan over the top. This elevates the dish and makes it feel restaurant-worthy without any fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, manicotti freezes beautifully. Arrange the uncooked filled manicotti in a single layer on a baking tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can also freeze the entire assembled dish after baking. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the manicotti with foil to prevent drying and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of extra tomato sauce to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works wonderfully! Just be sure to cook it down and drain it very well to remove excess moisture, so the filling doesn’t become watery.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can easily swap manicotti pasta for gluten-free pasta tubes or large pasta shells. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. For a vegan twist, consider using plant-based cheeses and egg substitutes, though the texture will differ slightly.

How spicy is this dish?

This dish is mild and comforting, with no heat from spices. If you love a bit of kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce before baking.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese can be a good substitute if you don’t have ricotta. Just blend it slightly to smooth out curds for a creamier texture similar to ricotta.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making the Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe at home — it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing with every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive in! This recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your household, bringing warmth and delicious comfort to your dinner table again and again.

Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish