Description
Creamy, cheesy, and baked until perfectly golden, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti is the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers. Tender manicotti shells are filled with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture, covered in savory marinara sauce, and topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese for a cozy and satisfying meal everyone will love. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, holiday gatherings, or comforting weekend food ideas.
Whether you need quick dinner ideas, an easy baked pasta recipe, or a hearty vegetarian meal, this homemade manicotti delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors with every bite. The creamy filling, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese topping make it one of the best comfort food recipes to add to your collection.
Ingredients
12 manicotti shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 large egg
3 cups marinara sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells until al dente. Drain carefully and let them cool slightly.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Fold the cooked spinach mixture into the ricotta filling until evenly combined.
7. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
9. Arrange the stuffed manicotti in the baking dish side by side.
10. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the pasta shells.
11. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
12. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
14. Remove from the oven and let the manicotti rest for several minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Squeeze excess moisture from the spinach before mixing it into the filling to avoid watery manicotti.
Slightly undercook the manicotti shells so they stay firm enough to fill without tearing.
Let the manicotti rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti, baked pasta recipe, easy dinner recipe, vegetarian pasta, cheesy manicotti, comfort food recipe, homemade manicotti, dinner ideas, pasta bake, Italian pasta recipe