Four Cheese Spinach Manicotti
User Reviews
3.5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
50 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
-
Servings
6
-
Calories
659 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Four Cheese Spinach Manicotti
Description
This manicotti recipe starts by boiling the pasta briefly until al dente, then cooling it for stuffing. The filling combines ricotta cheese with shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese for a creamy texture. Italian seasoning and dried basil add herbal notes while sautéed spinach, minced onion, and garlic incorporate savory, fresh elements to balance the richness.
The filled manicotti is layered in a baking dish with marinara sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, and herbs, creating a flavorful tomato base. The dish is topped with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses before baking.
The result is a tender pasta with a creamy, cheesy filling accented by the bright acidity and herbs of the tomato sauce. It makes a satisfying vegetarian main course. Store-bought marinara may be used as a shortcut without affecting the dish significantly.
Ingredients
For the manicotti:
- 12 ounces manicotti
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
- 6 ounces parmesan shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon basil dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup spinach finely chopped, fresh, baby
- 2 tablespoons onion minced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon parsley minced, fresh
Basic Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 45 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons oregano chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
For the manicotti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the manicotti and cook for 7 minutes. Drain.
- Set aside the pasta to cool and begin making the filling.
- In a large bowl, mix together the Ricotta cheese, 3 ounces of Mozzarella, 3 ounces of Parmesan, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and basil.
- Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach, onion, and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent and the spinach has wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Add the spinach to the cheese mixture and stir well to combine.
- When the pasta is cool enough to handle, use a small spoon to scoop the filling into the pasta. Alternately, place the filling in a plastic bag and snip off the end. Squirt the filling into the manicotti.
- Cover the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with a thin layer of marinara sauce. Arrange your pasta in the baking dish. Cover with the remaining marinara sauce and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to browned on top. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
For the sauce:
- Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and simmer for 30 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Store sauce tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought marinara sauce to simplify the recipe without compromising flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 659 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 659kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 1085mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 591mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1705IU | 34% |
| Vitamin C | 7.8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 726mg | 73% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
3.5
You'll Also Love
