Description
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti is a cozy baked pasta dinner filled with creamy ricotta, tender spinach, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. This easy dinner is perfect for family meals, meatless dinner ideas, Italian comfort food nights, and make-ahead food ideas when you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
12 manicotti shells
15 ounces ricotta cheese
10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the manicotti shells in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and lay them on a lightly oiled surface to cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley or basil, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
4. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce over the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Spoon the filling into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped, then fill each manicotti shell from both ends.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
7. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
10. Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra herbs if desired.
Notes
Squeeze the spinach very well so the ricotta filling stays creamy instead of watery.
Cook the manicotti only until al dente because it will continue softening while baked in the sauce.
Let the baked manicotti rest for a few minutes before serving so the filling settles and the shells lift cleanly from the pan.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed manicotti shells
- Calories: 418
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 812mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 87mg
Keywords: spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti, stuffed manicotti, baked manicotti, easy dinner, Italian dinner ideas, meatless dinner, baked pasta