Stuffed Manicotti Marinara
When the craving for a hearty yet quick meal strikes, this Stuffed Manicotti Marinara recipe will surely satisfy your hunger with its delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any dinner table. While I may have lost track of the original source, I can assure you that this dish is not only simple to prepare but also offers a comforting taste that’s hard to resist. Just keep in mind that the cooking time mentioned does not include preparing the sauce, so make sure to set aside a little extra time for that.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Stuffed Manicotti Marinara |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories | 340.6 |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | frozen spinach |
| 1 1/4 cups | ricotta cheese |
| 1/2 tsp | garlic powder |
| 1/2 tsp | ground nutmeg |
| 1/2 tsp | kosher salt |
| 1/4 tsp | fresh ground black pepper |
| 8 oz | mozzarella cheese (shredded) |
| 4 cups | tomato sauce |
| fresh parsley (for garnish) | |
| 3 cloves | garlic (minced) |
| 2 tsp | sugar |
| 1 tsp | instant beef bouillon |
| 1 bay leaf | |
| 1 tsp | dried basil |
| 1 tsp | dried oregano |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 18.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 62.5 mg |
| Sodium | 2987.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g |
| Sugars | 12.6 g |
| Protein | 22.3 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Sauce: In a thick-bottomed saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, minced garlic, sugar, instant beef bouillon, and bay leaf. Stir to blend all ingredients, and allow the mixture to simmer uncovered over medium heat. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the sauce to reduce by half, which will take about 15 minutes.
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Season the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add in the dried oregano and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. This process enhances the flavors and gives you approximately 1 1/2 cups of delicious marinara sauce. For those who enjoy meal prepping, the unused sauce can be frozen for future use.
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Mix the Filling: While the sauce is simmering away, turn your attention to the filling for the manicotti. In a mixing bowl, combine the frozen spinach (make sure to thaw and drain it first), ricotta cheese, garlic powder, ground nutmeg, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the spinach is evenly distributed.
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Stuff the Manicotti: Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the prepared filling. It helps to use a piping bag or a small spoon to ensure each shell is generously filled without breaking. Place the stuffed manicotti in pairs in individual baking dishes, creating a lovely presentation.
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Assemble and Bake: Drizzle approximately 2 tablespoons of the marinara sauce over each stuffed manicotti, ensuring they are lightly coated. Top each serving with about an ounce of shredded mozzarella cheese, which will melt beautifully while baking.
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Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the manicotti uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the manicotti from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy this Stuffed Manicotti Marinara with your family and friends, and let the rich flavors transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen, bringing warmth and joy to your dining experience.
