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How to Make Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Manicotti with Tomato Sauce

This Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Manicotti is a crowd-pleasing Italian-inspired dish that combines the goodness of spinach with creamy cheese, all tucked into tender pasta shells. Baked in a flavorful tomato sauce, it's a comforting meal that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Servings

6

Difficulty

Intermediate

Simple Summary

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti. Tender pasta tubes filled with a rich, savory mixture of spinach and cheese, then baked in a zesty tomato sauce for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 oz) manicotti shells
  • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

  3. In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, eggs, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  5. Fill each manicotti shell with the spinach and cheese mixture. You can use a piping bag or a small spoon for this task.

  6. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

  7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, ensuring all pasta is covered.

  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

  9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  11. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Chef's Notes

  • For a smoother filling, you can blend the spinach mixture in a food processor before stuffing the shells.
  • To make ahead, prepare the dish up to step 8, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
  • For a meat version, add 1/2 pound of cooked and crumbled Italian sausage to the filling mixture.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (1/6 of recipe): Approximately 450 calories, 25g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 25g fat. This dish is a good source of calcium from the cheese, and vitamins A and K from the spinach. It also provides iron and fiber.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Manicotti with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti pairs well with this dish. For a lighter option, serve with roasted vegetables on the side. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor before serving.