Low-Fat Manicotti Supreme
A light and cheesy manicotti dish featuring nonfat cheeses and flavorful herbs, baked with rich spaghetti sauce — perfect for a satisfying yet healthy Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix nonfat Parmesan cheese, nonfat Ricotta cheese, nonfat shredded Mozzarella cheese, basil, garlic powder, and oregano; set aside.
- Put manicotti shells in boiling water and boil for only 5 minutes.
- Pour out half of the boiling water and replace with warm cold water to prevent shells from drying out and cracking.
- Remove one shell at a time and stuff with cheese and spice mixture using a butter knife.
- Spread approximately 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce into a 9-inch casserole dish.
- Fill the shells with the cheese mixture and place them in the casserole dish.
- Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you're short on time, pre-made nonfat sauces can save you prep time. You can also substitute the nonfat cheeses with low-fat versions if preferred. For extra nutrition, consider adding spinach to the cheese mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Green Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Low-Fat Manicotti Supreme with a fresh side salad drizzled with Low Calorie Creamy Italian Dressing for a light meal. Garlic bread can also be a delicious accompaniment. Pair with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian meal experience. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside Tortellini With Pink Sauce for a delightful variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the manicotti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Manicotti Supreme contains roughly 68 calories, with 7g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti a day in advance. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of manicotti shells?
If you can't find manicotti shells, you can use jumbo shells or even stuffed lasagna noodles as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may have varying cook times. Stuffing them with the cheese mixture will still yield a delicious result.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked manicotti for up to 3 months. Just wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).