Quick Vegetable Manicotti
A creamy vegetable manicotti packed with fresh herbs, zucchini, and squash, perfect for a light yet satisfying vegetarian meal that appeals to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with no-stick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, wheat germ, beaten egg whites, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt until well combined.
- Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Sauté sliced zucchini and yellow squash in a skillet until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the sautéed vegetables over the manicotti.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture. You can substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta if desired. If you want to add more veggies, spinach or mushrooms make great additions. Ensure the manicotti shells are cooked al dente to avoid them breaking while stuffing. Prepare the day before for a quicker dinner by assembling everything in advance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with an Easy Romaine Salad for a refreshing contrast. A side of garlic bread can also complement the dish nicely. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a light tomato sauce drizzled on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Vegetable Manicotti contains roughly 68 calories, with 8g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 724mg per serving (31% 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 use regular pasta instead of manicotti shells?
While manicotti shells are traditional for this recipe, you can use other tubular pasta like cannelloni. Just ensure they are large enough to hold the filling. Cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to achieve the perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the ricotta with a plant-based alternative such as cashew cheese or tofu blended with nutritional yeast for flavor. Use flax eggs instead of egg whites to bind the mixture together.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To boost the protein content, consider mixing in cooked lentils or black beans into the ricotta filling. You can also serve the manicotti with a side of grilled chicken or a bean salad for a complete meal.
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).