Healthy Manicotti

Dive into the wholesome flavors of this Healthy Manicotti, a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Featuring whole-grain manicotti shells and a creamy filling made with fresh sautéed spinach, part-skim ricotta, and low-fat mozzarella, this recipe satisfies indulgence without the guilt. Each shell is smothered in a rich, low-sodium marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella for a cheesy finish. This lighter manicotti is packed with protein, fiber, and Italian herbs, making it a perfect dish for health-conscious pasta lovers. Quick to prep and baked to perfection in under an hour, this meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering. Serve warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh basil for an irresistibly fresh and hearty meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Whole-grain manicotti shells
• 4 cups Fresh spinach
• 1 cup Part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups Low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 3 cups Marinara sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the whole-grain manicotti shells according to the package instructions, ensuring they are al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside to prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel, then roughly chop the spinach.

Step 4

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Fold in the chopped spinach to create the filling.

Step 5

Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each cooled manicotti shell with the spinach-cheese mixture. Take care not to tear the shells.

Step 6

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 7

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shells, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2556.7 grams (2556.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5579

Total Fat 141.00g	181%
Saturated Fat 66.40g	332%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.30g
Cholesterol 532mg	177%
Sodium 5549mg	241%
Total Carbohydrate 844.30g	307%
Dietary Fiber 87.00g	311%
Total Sugars 77.20g
Protein 279.80g	560%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 3890mg	299%
Iron 45mg	247%
Potassium 4738mg	101%

*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: 22.0%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 58.6%