Creamy Spinach Delight Manicotti 🌿🧀
Spinach Cheese Manicotti (Meatless)
🕒 Cook Time: 40 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 45 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
🥢 Servings: 4
📝 Description:
This delightful Spinach Cheese Manicotti recipe, adapted from Taste of Home magazine, is a perfect blend of creamy cheeses and vibrant spinach. The prep time includes the moments spent cooking the manicotti noodles to perfection. To elevate the flavors, a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg is added to taste. Ensure you thoroughly squeeze the thawed spinach to remove excess moisture for the ideal texture.
🍝 Recipe Category: Manicotti
🔍 Keywords: Spinach, Cheese, Greens, Vegetable, European, Oven, < 4 Hours
🛒 Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Ricotta Cheese | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cream Cheese | 1 package (4 oz) |
| Parmesan Cheese | 6 tablespoons |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Frozen Chopped Spinach | 1 package (10 oz), thawed and squeezed dry |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon – 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon |
| Manicotti Noodles | 8 pieces |
| Marinara Sauce | 1 jar (24 oz) |
📋 Instructions:
-
Saute Onion and Garlic:
- In a small skillet, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Saute for about 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Set aside to cool.
-
-
Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, cream cheese, 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
-
Add Aromatics:
- Incorporate the sauteed onion and garlic into the cheese mixture.
- Add the thawed and well-squeezed dry spinach to the bowl.
- Season with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon.
- Mix everything together until evenly distributed.
-
Fill Manicotti Noodles:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the manicotti noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each manicotti noodle with the cheese and spinach mixture.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the filled manicotti noodles in a single layer on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the manicotti, ensuring they are well covered.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once out of the oven, let the Spinach Cheese Manicotti rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, if desired.
- Serve hot, with a side salad or some garlic bread for a satisfying meal!
This Spinach Cheese Manicotti is a delightful vegetarian dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its creamy cheese filling and flavorful spinach, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal option. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your rotation! 😋🍝
