Description
A comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender manicotti shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, baked in marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 manicotti shells (dry)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (about 490 g)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (about 60 g)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (about 113 g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If using dry manicotti shells that must be cooked, boil them in salted water until nearly al dente. Drain and set aside on a lightly oiled sheet.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped spinach with a teaspoon of olive oil for 1–2 minutes until wilted; let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, wilted spinach, mozzarella (reserve some for topping), Parmesan (reserve some for garnish), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir gently.
- Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture. Arrange filled shells in the baking dish seam-side down.
- Pour remaining marinara over the shells and sprinkle with reserved cheeses on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 8–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil leaves.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using part-skim ricotta and low-sodium marinara. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 manicotti
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg