Spinach-Cheese Manicotti
Creamy spinach and cheese manicotti features tender pasta shells filled with a savory ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cook spinach according to package directions.
- Drain well and squeeze dry; set aside.
- Place 1 cup of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the dish.
- Stir in water; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat egg.
- Stir in Ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese, spinach, salt, and pepper; blend well.
- Using a table knife, fill uncooked manicotti shells with spinach mixture.
- Arrange filled shells in the dish.
- Spoon remaining sauce over shells to coat completely.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 1 1/4 hours or until shells are very tender.
- Sprinkle with remaining 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of cream to the ricotta mixture. If you're short on time, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen, just sauté it until wilted. Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for unique flavors. To save time, prepare the manicotti in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. A light Italian vinaigrette salad pairs beautifully with this dish. You can also serve it alongside some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with a light Eggplant Parmesian.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spinach-cheese manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Cheese Manicotti contains roughly 679 calories, with 17g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 740mg per serving (32% 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 the manicotti filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to assemble the manicotti shells shortly before baking to prevent them from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for the marinara sauce?
If you prefer a different sauce, you can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist or a homemade tomato sauce with herbs for a fresh flavor. For a spicy kick, try arrabbiata sauce.
Can I freeze the manicotti before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the manicotti and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
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).