Spinach Filled Manicotti
Creamy spinach-filled manicotti tubes are layered with tomato sauce and cheese, creating a comforting, flavorful Italian dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- Drain and cut noodles in half widthwise.
- Cook and drain spinach.
- Shred mozzarella cheese.
- Mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, cooked spinach, oregano, Parmesan cheese, and egg (optional).
- Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese and spinach mixture in the middle of each noodle and roll up.
- Layer a baking dish with tomato sauce, then place the rolled noodles in the dish.
- Top with more tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese (optional).
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Let set for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture. If you don't have lasagna noodles, you can use manicotti shells instead. Fresh spinach can be substituted for frozen; just sauté it briefly before mixing. To enhance the flavor, add minced garlic or chopped herbs from your garden, making it a delightful addition to your Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Filled Manicotti pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed in Italian vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm loaf of Great Pizza Crust would also complement the dish nicely. For a complete meal, serve with a light dessert like Biscotti Toscani to finish off the evening.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish with a splash of tomato sauce to prevent drying out, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Filled Manicotti contains roughly 791 calories, with 16g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (220% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (140% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 43g 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 these manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and heat in the oven as directed. This is a great way to save time for special occasions.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If ricotta cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a richer filling. Both alternatives will still create a delicious and creamy texture in your manicotti.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking during cooking, make sure to stir them gently in boiling water and add a little olive oil to the pot. After draining, spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or baking sheet to cool slightly before assembling your manicotti.
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).