Spinach Cheese Manicotti Meatless

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Spinach Cheese Manicotti, a hearty meatless dish that's perfect for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike. This recipe features tender manicotti shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, combined with fresh sautéed spinach and fragrant herbs like Italian seasoning and garlic. The stuffed pasta is nestled under a blanket of rich marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy, satisfying bite. With just 25 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this baked pasta dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it hot alongside a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 14 pieces manicotti shells
• 8 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 pieces large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until just slightly undercooked. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4

Finely chop the cooked spinach and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 5

In the same bowl, add the ricotta cheese, 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 6

Spread 1½ cups of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring all are evenly coated.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2681.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4329.0

Total Fat 163.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 79.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 874.2mg	0%
Sodium 6644.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 499.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.4g	0%
Total Sugars 32.4g
Protein 225.5g	0%

Vitamin D 80IU	0%
Calcium 4575.0mg	0%
Iron 22.1mg	0%
Potassium 1283.6mg	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: 33.7%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 45.7%