Chef Berry's Stuffed Manicotti

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Chef Berry's Stuffed Manicotti, a cheesy, crowd-pleasing Italian classic that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender manicotti shells are generously stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sautéed spinach, seasoned to perfection with garlic and Italian herbs. Topped with a rich marinara sauce and a bubbly layer of melted mozzarella, this dish is baked to golden, gooey perfection in just under an hour. With its perfect balance of rich flavors and vibrant basil garnish, this baked manicotti is an irresistible dish that's best served with crusty garlic bread and a fresh garden salad. Ideal for family meals or entertaining, Chef Berry’s recipe brings home the taste of authentic Italian comfort.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.25 cups fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Mince the garlic and sauté it in the oil for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, sautéed spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the filling.

Step 5

Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta-spinach filling. Place them in a single layer in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 6

Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring all are well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.

Step 7

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, flavorful comfort dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2180.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3881.5

Total Fat 155.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 721.7mg	0%
Sodium 6186.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 425.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.6g	0%
Total Sugars 26.2g
Protein 206.6g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 4433.9mg	0%
Iron 15.2mg	0%
Potassium 1560.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.7%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 43.3%