Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti (25-30 Minutes)

Print

Print Recipe

This delightful Italian-inspired dish combines tender pasta tubes filled with a luscious mixture of spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.

Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the spinach adding a touch of freshness to the creamy ricotta filling.

It’s a dish that will warm your heart and leave you feeling satisfied. So let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8–10 manicotti pasta tubes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the manicotti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Fill each cooked manicotti tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
  5. Place the filled manicotti in a greased baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top, covering all the manicotti.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
  9. Serve the Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti warm and enjoy!

Notes

To save on time, feel free to use no-boil manicotti pasta tubes. You can also opt for pre-washed baby spinach to save time on chopping and cleaning. Choose a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce to cut down on cooking time. For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of garlic powder to the spinach and ricotta mixture. Serve the manicotti with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/spinach-and-ricotta-manicotti-25-30-minutes/