Pastas
Creamy spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti baked in a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting Italian-inspired meal that appeals to pasta lovers and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. crushed rosemary ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed sage leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups canned chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 package frozen spinach, cooked, drained and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 4 oz. ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 slice wheat bread, torn into crumbs ⓘ
- 2 egg whites, slightly beaten
- 8 manicotti shells, cooked ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, and garlic in oil in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 1 minute.
- Don't let the herbs brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes and reduce heat.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, and torn bread crumbs in a medium bowl.
- Fold in the slightly beaten egg whites into the mixture.
- Stuff the mixture into the cooked manicotti shells.
- Place one-third of the tomato mixture on the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the pan and pour the remaining tomato mixture over the shells.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones, as they brighten the dish significantly. If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese can be a suitable substitute. To make the dish heartier, add cooked ground meat to the spinach and cheese mixture. This recipe is also a great way to incorporate leftover vegetables for a unique twist on traditional Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Green Beans - Italian Style, enhancing the overall Italian dining experience. It's perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
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 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastas contains roughly 2191 calories, with 11g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 217g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value), iron (99% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed manicotti and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of manicotti shells?
If you can't find manicotti shells, jumbo pasta shells or lasagna noodles can be great alternatives. For lasagna noodles, just layer the filling between the sheets instead of stuffing, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding a few 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).