Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Manicotti
Indulge in a delightful journey of flavors with this Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Manicotti, a classic vegetarian dish that has been a beloved favorite for years. Perfect for dinner parties, social gatherings, or family meals, this recipe showcases the robust flavors of ricotta, mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan blended harmoniously with fresh spinach. To elevate your dining experience, prepare the filling a day in advance, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully. The vibrant marinara sauce not only adds moisture but also a burst of rich flavor that complements the cheesy goodness of the manicotti. Whether served as a festive side during holiday feasts or as the star of your weeknight dinners, this dish promises to impress both family and friends. Remember, for the best results, ensure you cook and dry the spinach before mixing it into the filling!
8
Servings
350
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Onion
1/4 cup (Finely chopped, optional)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (Fresh, minced)
Ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups (Creamy cheese)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (Divided, plus extra for topping)
Cream cheese
4 ounces (Softened)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (Plus ¼ cup for topping)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Salt
To taste (I use seasoned salt)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (To taste)
Frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (Cooked and squeezed dry)
Manicotti shells
8 (Cooked and drained (consider cooking extra))
Marinara sauce
4-6 cups (See Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian))
Mozzarella cheese
As desired (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion (if using) in the oil for about 4 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Add the fresh garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, 6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix well with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Season the cheese mixture with salt and fresh ground black pepper to your liking.
6
Gently fold in the sautéed onion and cooked spinach into the cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
7
Carefully spoon the filling into the cooked and cooled manicotti shells. You may want to use a piping bag for easier filling.
8
Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
9
Place the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. At this point, if you wish, you can cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
10
If proceeding immediately, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, using a spoon to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed (it's okay if the shells aren’t completely covered).
11
Sprinkle about ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce according to your taste.
12
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
13
After 25 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the desired amount of mozzarella cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
14
Once done, let the manicotti rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
19g
Carbs
20g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Manicotti?
It is a classic vegetarian pasta dish featuring manicotti shells filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan mixed with spinach.
What cheeses are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this stuffed manicotti recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the baking dish?
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter before assembly to prevent sticking.
Can I make the cheese filling in advance?
Yes, preparing the filling a day in advance allows the flavors to marry more effectively.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the onion for about 4 minutes until translucent, then add garlic for an additional 2 minutes.
What seasoning is used in the cheese mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt (often seasoned salt), and fresh ground black pepper.
How should the spinach be prepared before adding it to the cheese?
The spinach must be cooked and squeezed completely dry to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
What is the easiest way to fill the manicotti shells?
Using a piping bag is recommended for easier and cleaner filling of the cooked manicotti shells.
How much marinara sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 cups of marinara sauce, divided between the bottom and top of the dish.
Can I refrigerate the assembled dish before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the manicotti and refrigerate the dish for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it.
How long does the manicotti bake for?
Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5 minutes after adding topping cheese.
Do I need to cover the dish while it is in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the initial 25 minutes of baking.
How do I know when the manicotti is finished baking?
The dish is ready when the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Why should I let the manicotti rest after baking?
Letting the dish rest for 10 minutes allows the cheesy filling to set, making it easier to serve.
How many manicotti shells should I prepare?
The recipe uses 8 shells, but it is often wise to cook a few extra in case some break during boiling.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 19 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
Each serving contains 1.5 grams of sugar.
How much cream cheese do I need?
You will need 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A standard 13 x 9-inch baking dish is the best size for this recipe.
Is the onion required?
No, the 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion is optional.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
You can use 3 tablespoons of your preferred cooking oil for sautéing the aromatics.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the topping?
In addition to the filling, use about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan for the top.
Can I add more mozzarella on top?
Yes, you can sprinkle as much additional mozzarella cheese as desired during the final 5 minutes of baking.