Manicotti Florentine
Manicotti Florentine is a cheesy, spinach-filled pasta dish with rich flavors of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, complemented by sautéed onions and garlic. Baked to perfection, it's ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate hearty, flavorful Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 pound Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 4 ounces Mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 12 large manicotti noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in butter until tender.
- Combine sautéed vegetables, spinach, cheeses, eggs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Fill cooked and drained manicotti noodles with the spinach mixture.
- Place filled noodles in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- Heat sauce separately.
- Pour sauce over baked manicotti.
- Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach mixture, which complements the ricotta beautifully. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese. For a quicker version, you can also use pre-made marinara sauce instead of heating your own.
Serving Suggestions
This Manicotti Florentine pairs beautifully with a side of Italian Spiced Potatoes or a fresh Lo-Cal Italian Salad Dressing for a complete meal. A light garlic bread can also be a great accompaniment, as it soaks up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the manicotti with foil to prevent drying out, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manicotti Florentine contains roughly 259 calories, with 16g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1040mg per serving (45% 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 filled manicotti ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent drying out.
What sauce should I use for the manicotti?
A classic marinara sauce works wonderfully, but you can also use a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer flavor. For a twist, try a pesto sauce for added depth and freshness.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Just wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
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).