Freeze Ahead Manicotti

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food convenience: Freeze Ahead Manicotti. This make-ahead recipe combines tender manicotti shells stuffed with a rich, creamy filling of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach, perfectly seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Topped with luscious marinara sauce and a sprinkling of golden mozzarella, this baked pasta dish is indulgent, hearty, and freezer-friendly for effortless meal planning. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive make-ahead option for guests, this manicotti recipe brings maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Simply bake it fresh or straight from the freezer for a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece that’s ready to serve in no time. Perfect for busy families and pasta lovers alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti shells
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 piece large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 spray nonstick cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells for 4-5 minutes, until just slightly softened but still firm (they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, thawed spinach, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3

Fill a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the cheese mixture (cut off the tip if using a plastic bag for piping). Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the mixture.

Step 4

Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish.

Step 5

Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce.

Step 6

Pour the remaining 2 1/2 cups of marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, ensuring all are fully covered.

Step 7

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 8

If freezing, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and label with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Step 9

To bake immediately, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 10

To cook from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the covered dish for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.

Step 11

Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1582.4 grams (1582.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3601

Total Fat 133.10g	171%
Saturated Fat 77.10g	385%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 687mg	229%
Sodium 4825mg	210%
Total Carbohydrate 405.00g	147%
Dietary Fiber 22.90g	82%
Total Sugars 12.80g
Protein 212.90g	426%

Vitamin D 41IU	205%
Calcium 4770mg	367%
Iron 15mg	82%
Potassium 2369mg	50%

*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: 32.6%

Protein: 23.2%

Carbs: 44.1%