Spinach Manicotti
Creamy spinach and cheese stuffed manicotti baked in a rich meat sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh spinach creates a flavorful, cheesy dish with a comforting tomato sauce that appeals to all ages and pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 15 oz ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, divided ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 jars (28 oz each) spaghetti sauce with meat ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, thawed and squeezed dry chopped spinach, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, egg, minced fresh parsley, onion powder, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix the spaghetti sauce with water to create a sauce mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of the sauce in an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff the uncooked manicotti shells with the spinach mixture and arrange them over the sauce in the dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed manicotti and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley works well too. You can also substitute half of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter filling. To save time, use store-bought marinara sauce or consider using leftovers from Italian recipes like Italian Tomato Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spinach Manicotti with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Cheese Bread for a hearty dining experience. For a lighter option, consider serving alongside steamed vegetables or a simple pesto sauce drizzled over top.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the manicotti in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Manicotti contains roughly 645 calories, with 58g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% 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 Spinach Manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti a day in advance. After assembling, cover and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
What can I substitute for the ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta, or even a blend of ricotta and cream cheese for a richer filling. For a dairy-free option, consider using tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a similar texture.
Can I freeze Spinach Manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked Spinach Manicotti. Prepare the dish as directed, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
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).