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Spinach Cheese Manicotti: A Delightful Italian Comfort Food

This spinach and three-cheese manicotti is perfect for vegetarians who love Italian cuisine. Imagine savory manicotti shells filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and cheese, all smothered in marinara sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve been craving a hearty pasta dish that doesn’t involve meat, this Spinach Cheese Manicotti is for you. The rich combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with spinach creates a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, can be made in advance, and pairs wonderfully with a side salad and garlic bread.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven
Spoon or piping bag for stuffing shells

Ingredients

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
½ cup minced onion
1 egg
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
1½ cups water
1 (8 ounce) package manicotti shells

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, onion, and egg. Season with parsley, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix in 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
In a separate bowl, stir together the spaghetti sauce and water.
Spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Stuff the uncooked manicotti shells with the ricotta mixture and arrange them in a single layer in the dish.
Cover the manicotti with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the noodles are soft.

Tips for Success

If you’re making this dish ahead of time, complete up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
For easier stuffing, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to fill the manicotti shells.

Additional Tips and Variations

For added flavor, try mixing in some cooked mushrooms or bell peppers with the filling.
If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

576 calories; protein 29.8g; carbohydrates 69g; fat 20.5g; cholesterol 81.8mg; sodium 1409.9mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just be sure to cook it down and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Can I freeze the manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) manicotti. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What can I serve with this dish?
A crisp green salad and some garlic bread make excellent accompaniments to this rich pasta dish.

Conclusion

This Spinach Cheese Manicotti is a deliciously cheesy and comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below!

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