Description
Creamy, cheesy, and baked until bubbling, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti is an easy dinner recipe filled with tender pasta, rich ricotta, fresh spinach flavor, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. This comforting Italian-inspired baked pasta is perfect for family dinner ideas, vegetarian dinner ideas, cozy food ideas, make-ahead meals, and anyone who loves an easy recipe that tastes homemade 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
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells until al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and lay them flat so they do not stick together.
3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, squeezed spinach, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until creamy and combined.
4. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture using a piping bag, zip-top bag, or small spoon.
6. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.
7. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
10. Let the manicotti rest for 8 to 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Squeeze the spinach very well before mixing it into the ricotta so the filling stays creamy instead of watery.
Cook the manicotti shells just until al dente because they will continue softening while baked in the sauce.
Let the baked manicotti rest before serving so the filling settles and the shells lift cleanly from the dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed manicotti shells
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti, stuffed manicotti, baked pasta, easy dinner recipe, vegetarian dinner ideas, Italian dinner, ricotta pasta, comfort food ideas