Low-Fat Stuffed Manicotti
A flavorful low-fat stuffed manicotti dish featuring spinach, herbs, and cheese, perfect for a healthy and satisfying Italian-inspired meal for family or guests.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, drained ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons skim milk ⓘ
- 1 egg white, beaten ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix cooked and drained chopped spinach with chopped onions, ground nutmeg, and chopped parsley.
- Mash low-fat cottage cheese and blend with skim milk.
- Add the cottage cheese mixture to the spinach mixture.
- Mix in the beaten egg white.
- Stuff each cooked and drained manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.
- Combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, chopped red bell pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Pour some of the tomato sauce mixture into a baking dish, place stuffed shells on top, and cover with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat manicotti shells or adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. If you're short on time, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen. You can also swap out low-fat cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a creamier texture. Experiment with herbs to customize the flavor profile of your sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Low-Fat Stuffed Manicotti with a side of Special Garlic Bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad or a Pasta Salad Medley can complement the dish nicely. For a festive touch, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or grated Parmesan on top before serving to enhance the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed manicotti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Stuffed Manicotti contains roughly 2215 calories, with 44g protein, 386g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (210% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value), and calcium (142% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1559mg per serving (68% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed manicotti in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer a different flavor or texture, ricotta cheese works great as a substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe. For a dairy-free option, consider using a tofu-based ricotta or a nut-based cheese alternative.
Can I freeze the stuffed manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed manicotti before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
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).