Ricotta Spinach Stuffed Manicotti Bake
Ricotta Spinach Stuffed Manicotti Bake is a delightful pasta dish that combines creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and rich marinara sauce, all encased in tender manicotti shells. Baked to perfection with melted mozzarella on top, this comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to impress your guests while becoming a staple in your recipe repertoire.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 manicotti shells
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 3 minutes). Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, sautéed spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed manicotti on top and cover with remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 manicotti (about 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Feel free to add sun-dried tomatoes or herbs for extra flavor. For a creamy twist, substitute marinara with Alfredo sauce. You can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance; just adjust baking time accordingly.