Kid Pleaser Vegetarian Manicotti

Whip up a family favorite with this irresistible Kid Pleaser Vegetarian Manicotti! This comforting dish brings together tender manicotti pasta tubes brimming with a flavorful mixture of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, savory Parmesan, nutritious spinach, and sweet shredded carrots. Topped with rich marinara sauce and a golden layer of bubbly cheese, this baked vegetarian pasta is as wholesome as it is delicious. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, it’s a kid-friendly (and adult-approved) way to sneak more veggies onto the plate. With a quick 30-minute prep and hearty servings for six, this easy vegetarian manicotti is ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti pasta
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 0.5 cup shredded carrot
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2

Cook the manicotti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, spinach, shredded carrot, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4

Spoon the cheese and vegetable mixture into a large zip-top bag or piping bag. Cut off one corner of the bag to create an opening large enough to pipe the filling.

Step 5

Pipe the filling into each manicotti shell, being careful not to overstuff them. Place the filled manicotti shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6

Pour marinara sauce evenly over the top of the manicotti, ensuring all the shells are fully covered to prevent them from drying out during baking.

Step 7

Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

Let the manicotti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2944.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3665.6

Total Fat 144.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 462.0mg	0%
Sodium 6026.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 435.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.6g	0%
Total Sugars 42.9g
Protein 199.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 4235.0mg	0%
Iron 25.1mg	0%
Potassium 2407.7mg	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: 33.8%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 45.4%