Description
Cheesy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, this Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti recipe is a hearty Italian-style baked pasta that’s perfect for easy dinner nights, cozy gatherings, or meal prep. Packed with creamy ricotta, sautéed spinach, marinara, and melted mozzarella, this quick dinner idea delivers on both taste and texture. Whether you’re seeking healthy snack options, weeknight food ideas, or vegetarian-friendly dinner ideas, this dish checks every box for an easy recipe worth keeping in rotation.
Ingredients
16 manicotti pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze out all excess moisture using a clean towel.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, egg, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Boil manicotti shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly.
4. Fill a piping or zip-top bag with the ricotta filling and pipe into each manicotti shell.
5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
6. Arrange stuffed manicotti in a single layer over the sauce.
7. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
9. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
Be sure to thoroughly drain spinach—any moisture can water down the filling.
Don’t skip the nutmeg; it adds depth to the creamy ricotta filling.
Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for an easy next-day bake.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg