Easy Healthy Meatless Manicotti

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this *Easy Healthy Meatless Manicotti*, a crowd-pleasing vegetarian pasta dish that's lightened up yet bursting with Italian-inspired goodness. Perfectly cooked manicotti shells are filled with a creamy, protein-rich mixture of part-skim ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and vibrant spinach, then smothered in marinara sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. With just 30 minutes of prep time, this recipe blends wholesome ingredients and simple techniques, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Top with fresh basil for an added touch of freshness, and savor a nutritious, satisfying meatless dinner that you'll want to make again and again! Keywords: easy meatless manicotti, healthy vegetarian pasta, spinach ricotta manicotti, baked Italian recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Manicotti shells
• 15 oz Ricotta cheese (part-skim)
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 oz Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
• 1 large Egg
• 2 cloves Minced garlic
• 4 cups Marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil (optional, chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop them from cooking further. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, thawed and drained spinach, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.

Step 4

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a small amount of olive oil. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 5

Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Place the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish.

Step 6

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti shells, making sure they are fully covered to avoid drying out during baking.

Step 7

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with optional chopped fresh basil and serve warm. Enjoy your healthy, meatless manicotti!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2557.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3903.2

Total Fat 140.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 590.5mg	0%
Sodium 7211.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 431.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.6g	0%
Total Sugars 31.7g
Protein 220.6g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 3930.3mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 2307.9mg	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: 32.7%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 44.5%