Description
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti is the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers who want a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying baked dinner. Tender manicotti pasta shells are filled with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture, covered in flavorful marinara sauce, and baked with melted mozzarella until golden and bubbly. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for family meals, cozy weekend dinners, meal prep, and special occasions. Whether you are searching for comforting Italian food ideas, baked pasta recipes, vegetarian dinner ideas, or an easy recipe that tastes restaurant-quality, this spinach and ricotta manicotti delivers incredible flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
12 manicotti pasta shells
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
6 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells until just al dente. Drain carefully and place the shells on parchment paper to cool.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
6. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, parsley, and the spinach mixture.
7. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
9. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in the baking dish in a single layer.
10. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the pasta shells.
11. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the top.
12. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
14. Allow the manicotti to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Drain the spinach thoroughly before mixing it into the ricotta filling to prevent watery manicotti.
Cook the manicotti shells only until al dente because they continue cooking while baking in the sauce.
Allow the baked manicotti to rest before serving so the filling stays creamy and holds together better.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg