Vegetable Stuffed Manicotti
Vegetable stuffed manicotti offers a flavorful, cheesy filling with shredded zucchini and carrots, perfect for a hearty, vegetarian Italian meal suitable for family dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the No Boil lasagna noodles in warm water for 5 minutes or until softened, taking care they do not stick together.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, ricotta cheese, and eggs; mix well.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Drain the soaked noodles and carefully fill each with the vegetable and cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed noodles in the prepared baking dish over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the top of the stuffed noodles.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To prevent the no-boil lasagna noodles from sticking together, make sure to soak them in warm water for the full 5 minutes and gently separate them as you remove them. For a twist, consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the vegetable filling, or substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter option. This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vegetable stuffed manicotti with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring marinara sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the manicotti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Stuffed Manicotti contains roughly 980 calories, with 35g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 964mg per serving (42% 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 prepare the stuffed manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti a day in advance. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap, add the sauce and cheese, and bake as directed. This is a perfect way to save time on busy days.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mix of cream cheese and yogurt for a similar texture. This will still give you a creamy filling while adding a different flavor profile to the dish.
Can I freeze the vegetable stuffed manicotti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. It's a great make-ahead meal for busy nights.
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).