Cheesy Spinach Manicotti: Creamy Italian Stuffed Pasta Recipe

Sure, let’s dive into the delightful world of Spinach Manicotti! 🍝

Spinach Manicotti Recipe

Overview:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Cuisine: European
• Category: One Dish Meal
• Keywords: Manicotti, European, Oven, Less than 4 Hours

Ingredients:

• 1 package frozen spinach
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup water
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce

Instructions:

1. Thaw Spinach:

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   • Thaw the package of frozen spinach according to the instructions on the package.

2. Drain and Squeeze:

   • Once thawed, drain the spinach well and squeeze out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step ensures that your filling isn’t too watery.

3. Prepare Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, one egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until evenly combined. This creamy and flavorful filling is the heart of your Spinach Manicotti.

4. Prepare Sauce:

   • In a separate bowl, mix the jar of spaghetti sauce with 1 cup of water. This thins out the sauce slightly and ensures it spreads evenly over the manicotti during baking.

5. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the manicotti are assembled and ready for baking.

6. Layer Sauce:

   • Pour 1 cup of the prepared spaghetti sauce mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom. This creates a flavorful base for the manicotti.

7. Stuff Manicotti:

   • Now, it’s time to fill the manicotti shells with the delicious cheese and spinach mixture. Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each uncooked manicotti shell with the filling mixture. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer in the prepared baking pan, on top of the sauce.

8. Add Sauce:

   • Once all the manicotti shells are filled and arranged in the pan, pour the remaining spaghetti sauce mixture over the top, covering the manicotti evenly with sauce.

9. Top with Cheese:

   • Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the manicotti, adding an irresistible cheesy crust that will melt into gooey perfection during baking.

10. Refrigerate (Optional):

    • At this point, if you have the time, cover the pan with foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an even more delicious dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and proceed directly to baking.

11. Pre-Bake Prep:

    • If refrigerated, remove the pan from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures more even baking.

12. Bake:

    • Once ready to bake, place the uncovered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the manicotti shells are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly on top. The aroma wafting from your oven will tantalize your taste buds!

13. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Carefully remove the Spinach Manicotti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 390.2
• Total Fat: 21.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 10.5g
• Cholesterol: 82.6mg
• Sodium: 1375.7mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28.8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2.2g
  • Sugar: 19.7g
• Protein: 21.7g

Tips:

• You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• For a meaty variation, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the filling mixture.
• If you prefer a smoother filling texture, you can blend the spinach, ricotta, and other ingredients together in a food processor before stuffing the manicotti shells.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Now you’re ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious Spinach Manicotti recipe! Enjoy every cheesy, spinach-filled bite! 🌟