Italian Manicotti

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic Italian Manicotti recipe, a dish that brings together tender pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh spinach, all baked to perfection under a blanket of rich marinara sauce. This dish is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, highlighted by a touch of garlic and Italian seasoning for that authentic homemade taste. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests, this hearty baked pasta is not only incredibly satisfying but also easy to prepare with step-by-step guidance, from building the flavorful cheese filling to achieving the golden, bubbly mozzarella topping. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or warm garlic bread, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Keywords: Italian Manicotti, baked pasta, ricotta stuffed shells, marinara sauce, comforting Italian dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Manicotti pasta
• 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large Eggs
• 5 ounces Fresh spinach
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
• 4 cups Marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, eggs, cooked spinach, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 6

Transfer the ricotta mixture to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easy filling.

Step 7

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 8

Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 9

Cover the filled manicotti with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring all shells are evenly coated.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting Italian dish with a side of garlic bread or salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3120.8 grams (3120.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3928

Total Fat 161.90g	208%
Saturated Fat 75.50g	378%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 833mg	278%
Sodium 6565mg	285%
Total Carbohydrate 433.70g	158%
Dietary Fiber 35.90g	128%
Total Sugars 44.60g
Protein 216.70g	433%

Vitamin D 82IU	410%
Calcium 4328mg	333%
Iron 28mg	153%
Potassium 1212mg	26%

*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: 35.9%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 42.7%