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Cheesy Meatless Manicotti

A vegetarian version of manicotti with tender shells, basil tomato sauce, and three kinds of melty cheese!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 332 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 14 manicotti shells
  • 16 ounces fat free cottage cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 2 ½ cups shredded part skim mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil or 3-4 fresh basil leaves finely chopped
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large jar (about 3 cups) light tomato basil sauce
  • ⅓ cup water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring 4-5 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add manicotti shells and continue to boil 10-12 minutes or until shells are tender and bendable but not quite completely cooked (you want them to be able to hold their shape somewhat when you fill them).
  2. Preheat oven to 350 and lightly spray a 9x13 inch casserole dish or baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. In a large bowl combine cottage cheese, spinach, 2 cups mozzarella, parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Use a hand mixer to mix all ingredients 2-3 minutes or until all ingredients are incorporated. 
  4. Pour 2/3 of sauce into the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon to carefully fill each manicotti shell with about 2-3 tablespoons of filling. Lay stuffed shells side by side in the baking dish. Add 1/3 cup water to dish. Cover shells with remaining sauce and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. 
  5. Bake uncovered about 30 minutes or until shells are completely cooked, cheese is melted, and filling is hot. Serve hot and top with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked ground Italian sausage to the filling mixture. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 332kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 39mg (13%) Sodium 711mg (30%) Potassium 290mg (8%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1205IU (24%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 495mg (50%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 332

% Daily Value*

Calories 332kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 39mg 13%
Sodium 711mg 30%
Potassium 290mg 6%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1205IU 24%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 495mg 50%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.