Creamy Spinach Pesto Manicotti Bake
Indulge in this flavorful and creamy Spinach Pesto Manicotti Bake that offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. Bursting with the freshness of baby spinach and enriched with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Greek yogurt, this recipe is both comforting and nutritious. The absence of tomatoes allows the aromatic pesto sauce to shine, enhanced by the savory notes of garlic and creamy cheeses. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish serves six and is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. To elevate the recipe, consider adding myzithra cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Manicotti
8 ounces (uncooked)
Chopped Baby Spinach
10 ounces (washed and drained)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Ricotta Cheese
2 cups (or cottage cheese)
Mozzarella Cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Greek Yogurt
1 cup (or plain yogurt, drained)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Greek Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Pesto Sauce
14 ounces (store-bought or homemade)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Myzithra Cheese
1/4 cup (optional, grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the manicotti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and lay it out on a clean tea towel, making sure the tubes do not touch. Set aside to cool.
3
While the manicotti is cooking, wash the spinach thoroughly and remove excess water using a salad spinner. Chop the spinach coarsely and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and Greek oregano. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
5
Transfer the cheese and spinach mixture to a large Zip-Lock bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and set aside.
6
Spread half of the pesto sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base.
7
To fill the manicotti, snip off one corner of the bag filled with the cheese mixture. Take a manicotti tube in one hand and insert the bag tip into one end of the tube. Gently squeeze to fill the tube. For easier filling, consider filling from both ends.
8
Once all the manicotti are filled, arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
9
Spoon the remaining pesto sauce over the filled manicotti, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the manicotti.
11
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach Pesto Manicotti Bake?
It is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that features a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Greek yogurt mixed with spinach and pesto sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What oven temperature is required for this dish?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What size baking dish should be used?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much manicotti is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked manicotti pasta.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese with something else?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta cheese.
What is the role of Greek yogurt in the filling?
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a nutritious tang to the cheese mixture.
How much spinach is required for the recipe?
You will need 10 ounces of baby spinach, washed and drained.
Should the spinach be chopped?
Yes, the baby spinach should be chopped coarsely before being mixed with the cheeses.
Can I use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use plain yogurt, but it is recommended to drain it first.
What kind of pesto sauce should I use?
You can use 14 ounces of either store-bought or homemade pesto sauce.
Why are eggs included in the cheese mixture?
Two beaten eggs are used to help bind the cheese and spinach filling together.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What is the easiest way to fill the manicotti tubes?
Transfer the filling to a large Zip-Lock bag, snip off a corner, and pipe the mixture into the tubes.
Should I fill the manicotti from one or both ends?
Filling from both ends often makes the process easier and ensures the tube is evenly filled.
Do I need to boil the manicotti before filling?
Yes, boil the manicotti until al dente according to the package instructions before filling.
How do I prevent the boiled manicotti from sticking together?
Lay the drained pasta tubes out on a clean tea towel so they do not touch each other while cooling.
How is the pesto sauce distributed in the dish?
Half of the pesto is spread on the bottom of the dish, and the remaining half is spooned over the filled manicotti.
Do I bake the manicotti covered or uncovered?
Bake the dish covered with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncovered for another 15 minutes.
When should the Parmesan cheese be added?
The Parmesan cheese should be sprinkled over the manicotti after the first 15 minutes of baking when the foil is removed.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 30 minutes.
What is Myzithra cheese?
Myzithra is an optional Greek cheese that can be added for an extra layer of savory flavor.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What type of oregano is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of dried Greek oregano.
Does this recipe include tomato sauce?
No, this recipe uses pesto sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to help the filling set.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
Why should I use a salad spinner for the spinach?
A salad spinner helps remove excess water, ensuring the filling doesn't become too watery.
What makes this a 'twist' on traditional manicotti?
The use of pesto and Greek yogurt instead of standard marinara and heavy cream provides a unique, aromatic flavor profile.