Take traditional manicotti up a notch! This Spinach Manicotti combines Italian cheeses with spinach to create one tasty, savory dish.
As we continue on our journey of bringing you delicious Italian cuisine, today we welcome you to a recipe that combines ease with flavor – our quick and easy Spinach Manicotti recipe. In the hustle of daily life, a delicious homemade meal shouldn’t be a luxury. This recipe promises the rich taste of manicotti without the hassle. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that won’t keep you tied to the kitchen for hours, you’re in the right place.
Why you’ll love Spinach Manicotti
- Savory and delicious!
- Cheesy and flavorful!
- Spinach has great health benefits!
- Great for large crowds!
The Health Benefits of Spinach
Before we dive into creating this Spinach Manicotti, let’s appreciate the nutritional powerhouse that is spinach. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate, spinach brings not only vibrant flavor but also numerous health benefits to our manicotti. This leafy green addition ensures your meal is as nutritious as it is delicious.
What ingredients are in Spinach Manicotti?
- 8 oz box of manicotti shells 14 shells
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 eggs
- 10 oz box frozen chopped spinach (thawed, drained and squeezed dry)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 3 cups homemade tomato sauce or jarred sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set oven rack to the middle position.
- Spray a baking sheet with baking spray and set aside.
- Thaw, drain and squeeze out all the water from the frozen spinach. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and cook for 7 minutes (al dente). Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Carefully place shells onto the baking sheet.
- In a large bowl add ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, eggs, spinach, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer cheese and spinach filling to a large pastry bag or large ziploc bag with one corner cut off. Pipe filling into both ends of the manicotti shells, fill until completely full. Repeat until all the shells are filled.
- Spread sauce liberally onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place filled manicotti shells on top of the sauce.
- Spread sauce liberally over the top of the manicotti shells.
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 10 mintues.
- Serve and enjoy!
How long does Spinach Manicotti last?
Spinach Manicotti will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator which makes it a go to if you are prepping meals for the week. Already baked manicotti that may be left over will also last up to 3-5 days. As always, cover well with foil or place them in an airtight container.
Can you freeze Spinach Manicotti?
Yes! Assemble the manicotti shells, add the sauce and top with mozzarella cheese, cover the baking dish with heavy duty foil and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. Take the shells out the night before and thaw in the refrigerator and then bake. Adjust your baking times accordingly by adding on more time. You can also take the manicotti shells directly out of the freezer and bake. Add at least an additional 30 minutes of baking time. Lastly, you can also freeze any previously cooked leftovers as well. When ready to use, just take them out of the freezer, place in a microwavable dish and microwave at intervals until heated through.
Make this Spinach Manicotti for your next dinner!
Our delicious Spinach Manicotti recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need to sacrifice taste for convenience. With simple ingredients, a straightforward process, and a burst of nutrition from spinach, this dish is a winner for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. Try it out, savor the flavors, and don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #SpinachManicottiDelight. Happy cooking! And remember…
Life’s too short to eat bad food!
For more Italian recipes try:
Cheesy Stuffed Shells Casserole
Healthy Pasta and Sausage Casserole
Finish off dinner with these Italian desserts!
Homemade Italian Chocolate Pizzelles
Homemade Italian Pizzelles with Anise
Spinach Manicotti
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- large stove top pot
- pastry bag or ziploc bag
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 8 oz box of manicotti shells 14 shells
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup cream cheese softened
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 eggs
- 10 oz box frozen chopped spinach thawed, drained and squeezed dry
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 3 cups homemade tomato sauce or jarred sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set oven rack to the middle position.
- Spray a baking sheet with baking spray and set aside.
- Thaw, drain and squeeze out all the water from the frozen spinach. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and cook for 7 minutes (al dente). Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Carefully place shells onto the baking sheet.
- In a large bowl add ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, eggs, spinach, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer cheese and spinach filling to a large pastry bag or large ziploc bag with one corner cut off. Pipe filling into both ends of the manicotti shells, fill until completely full. Repeat until all the shells are filled.
- Spread sauce liberally onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place filled manicotti shells on top of the sauce. Spread sauce liberally over the top of the manicotti shells.
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 10 mintues.
- Serve and enjoy!
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