Meaty Spinach Manicotti
A hearty baked pasta dish featuring tender manicotti stuffed with a savory mixture of chicken, sausage, and spinach, topped with tomato sauce and melted cheeses for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook manicotti shells according to package directions and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour until smooth to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned.
- Add cooked diced chicken and cook until heated through.
- Mix in thawed and squeezed dry chopped spinach.
- Stuff cooked manicotti shells with the meat and spinach mixture.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce in a baking dish.
- Arrange stuffed manicotti in the dish.
- Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and minced parsley over the sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes for a browned top if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, ensure the roux is well combined before adding milk. You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Fresh spinach can replace frozen, but make sure to sauté it first to reduce moisture. If you have leftovers, consider using them in a frittata or add to a soup like Sausage-Bean-Escarole Soup for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meaty Spinach Manicotti with a simple side salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread complements the dish beautifully, helping to soak up any extra sauce. For a complete Italian meal, consider pairing it with Chicken Scaloppine With Mushrooms or a light dessert like tiramisu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meaty Spinach Manicotti contains roughly 1513 calories, with 66g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (131% of the Daily Value), iron (107% of the Daily Value), and calcium (89% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1698mg per serving (74% 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 manicotti up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
What if I can't find manicotti shells?
If manicotti shells are unavailable, you can use jumbo pasta shells as an alternative. The stuffing method remains the same, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the shells are cooked through and tender.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked manicotti. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking 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).