Kittencal’s Spinach & Four-Cheese Manicotti (Vegetarian) πΏπ§
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 manicotti
Description:
This is a legendary recipe that has stood the test of timeβmy go-to for any dinner party or festive gathering! ππ Over the years, I’ve perfected this spinach and four-cheese manicotti to absolute deliciousness. The blend of creamy cheeses, savory spinach, and zesty marinara sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser every time. ππ§ Perfect for a cozy family dinner or as an impressive addition to your holiday table! ππ
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 | onions, finely chopped |
| 1/4 cup | fresh garlic, minced |
| 2 cups | ricotta cheese |
| 1 1/2 cups | shredded mozzarella cheese |
| 1 1/2 cups | cream cheese, softened |
| 4 cups | grated Parmesan cheese, divided |
| 1/3 cup | salt |
| 1 tsp | fresh ground black pepper |
| 1 | package (10 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry |
| 1 batch | Kittencal’s Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian) |
| 1 cup | shredded mozzarella cheese |
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). π‘οΈ
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Prepare a 13 x 9-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter. π½οΈ
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In a skillet, sautΓ© the finely chopped onions in oil for about 4 minutes, or until they soften. Add in the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking. π«
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, 6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. π§ Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.
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Season the cheese mixture with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. π§β‘
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Fold in the sautΓ©ed onion mixture and the squeezed-dry spinach into the cheese mixture. Mix everything well until thoroughly combined. π₯β¨
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Fill each cooked and cooled manicotti shell with the cheesy spinach mixture. πΏ
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Pour half of the prepared Kittencal’s Marinara Pasta Sauce into the bottom of the greased baking dish. π
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Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells over the sauce in the baking dish. You can cover and refrigerate the dish at this point for up to 24 hours if you’re prepping ahead. π°οΈ
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Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells. Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly, though it doesn’t have to cover the shells completely. π₯π
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Sprinkle about 1/4 cup (or to taste) of grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce for an extra cheesy crust! π§
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Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. π₯
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Uncover the dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the manicotti. Add as much or as little as you desire for that gooey, cheesy finish! π§
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Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. π
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Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. π
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Serve up these piping hot and cheesy spinach and four-cheese manicotti to your delighted guests! ππ½οΈ
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Note: If you prefer, you can omit the spinach entirely for a creamy four-cheese manicotti variation. Customize it to your taste! πΏπ§
This delectable dish is a labor of love that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy the rich, creamy filling encased in tender manicotti shells, all bathed in savory marinara sauce. π π€€ Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, Kittencal’s Spinach & Four-Cheese Manicotti is sure to become a family favorite! πβ¨
