Spinach and Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Spinach and Cheese Manicotti features tender manicotti pasta tubes stuffed with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, and well-drained chopped spinach. Baked in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder, this comforting Italian-American main course is perfect for a family dinner that’s both delicious and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Manicotti and Filling
- 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
Tomato Sauce and Topping
- 3 cups Tomato Sauce (homemade or jarred)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the manicotti.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with 2 cups of the tomato sauce, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, thawed and very well-drained chopped spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Stuff Manicotti: Using a spoon, carefully fill each manicotti tube with the spinach and cheese mixture, ensuring they are well stuffed but not overfilled to prevent cracking.
- Arrange in Dish: Place the filled manicotti side by side in the prepared baking dish over the sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Cover the stuffed pasta with the remaining tomato sauce, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the manicotti is heated through.
- Serve: Allow the manicotti to cool slightly. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley, then serve warm and enjoy this flavorful dish.
Notes
- Ensure the chopped spinach is drained thoroughly to avoid watery filling.
- Do not overstuff manicotti tubes to prevent breakage during baking.
- You can substitute frozen spinach with fresh spinach sautéed and drained.
- Use homemade tomato sauce for a richer flavor or a quality jarred sauce for convenience.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/spinach-and-cheese-manicotti-recipe-3/
