Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe

As the aroma of baked pasta fills the kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe has become a family favorite, often gracing our dinner table during cozy evenings. One of my fondest memories was creating this dish with my grandmother, her laughter echoing as she guided me through each step. The creamy filling, a delightful blend of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, nestled inside tender noodles, made every bite a comforting embrace. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition that brings everyone together, sharing stories and laughter around the table.

Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the best Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe. Each component plays a role in building flavor, texture, and nutrition. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and savory spices creates a harmonious filling that everyone will love.

• 1 small onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Olive oil for sautéing – a healthy fat that enhances flavor.
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes – the base of the sauce, rich in flavor.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 5 garlic cloves, minced – for aromatic goodness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian spices mix – adds a touch of traditional flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – a hint of heat.
• Salt and pepper – to taste.
• 16 no-boil oven-ready lasagna noodles – the star of our dish that holds everything together.
• 3 cups ricotta cheese – creamy filling that makes this dish delightful.
• 4 cups pre-packaged Italian blend cheeses, shredded – for a cheesy topping.
• OR 2 1/2 cups mozzarella, 1 1/2 cups provolone, shredded – alternative cheese options.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten – helps bind the filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• 3 loosely filled cups baby spinach, finely chopped – the green goodness that adds nutrition and color.

Preparation Steps for Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe

Cooking this Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe is a joyful process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Let’s dive into the steps that will transform these simple ingredients into a comforting meal. Follow along, and don’t forget to enjoy the process!

1. Start by placing your oven rack in the middle position and preheat your oven to 375 degrees. This sets the perfect temperature for baking.
2. For the sauce, heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil and let it warm up. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. The onion should become translucent, giving your sauce a lovely base.
3. Next, add the minced garlic along with the red pepper flakes and Italian spices. Sauté these for about a minute until the garlic is aromatic, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. While the sauce simmers, let’s prepare the filling for the manicotti. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 3 cups of your chosen shredded cheese, the egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Then fold in the finely chopped spinach until evenly distributed.
6. Now, let’s prep the noodles. Soak the no-boil lasagna noodles in hot water for about 5 minutes. This will make them pliable and easier to fill. Once soaked, drain the water and gently pat the noodles dry with a clean kitchen towel.
7. It’s time to assemble! In a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish, spread half of the sauce on the bottom. Take each noodle and fill it with about 1/4 cup of the cheesy spinach mixture, rolling it from the short side. Arrange the filled noodles seam-side down in the baking dish over the sauce.
8. Spread the remaining sauce over the top of the manicotti. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in while baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes.
9. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the manicotti cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Change It Up

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some tips to change things up with your Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe. Customize it to your liking and make it your own!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Just cover tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Variations: Swap out the spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
• For added protein: Mix in cooked ground turkey or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra heartiness.
• Serving suggestion: Pair with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish: Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Side Dish Ideas for Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe

Serving the Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe can be a delightful experience. Complement your dish with these side suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that enhances the Italian flavors.
• Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance the creaminess of the manicotti.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the cheesy filling.
• Italian Antipasto Platter: Offer a selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats as an appetizer.
• Seasonal Fruit: Fresh fruit like grapes or berries provide a sweet contrast to the savory dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe is a delightful dish that perfectly balances creamy textures with rich flavors, making it a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So why not give it a try tonight? You won’t be disappointed!

Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe

Craving a comforting Italian meal? This Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe features creamy ricotta and spinach stuffed into tender noodles, topped with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese. It's an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Give it a try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Blender
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 small onion
• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
• 28 ounce crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian spices mix
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• 16 no-boil oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 3 cups ricotta cheese low-fat is fine
• 4 cups Italian blend cheese shredded
• 2.5 cups mozzarella OR shredded
• 1.5 cups provolone OR shredded
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups baby spinach loosely filled and finely chopped

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Start by placing your oven rack in the middle position and preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
• Step 2: For the sauce, heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil and let it warm up. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Step 3: Next, add the minced garlic along with the red pepper flakes and Italian spices. Sauté these for about a minute until the garlic is aromatic, being careful not to let it burn.
• Step 4: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Step 5: While the sauce simmers, let’s prepare the filling for the manicotti. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 3 cups of your chosen shredded cheese, the egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
• Step 6: Now, let's prep the noodles. Soak the no-boil lasagna noodles in hot water for about 5 minutes. This will make them pliable and easier to fill.
• Step 7: It’s time to assemble! In a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish, spread half of the sauce on the bottom. Take each noodle and fill it with about 1/4 cup of the cheesy spinach mixture.
• Step 8: Spread the remaining sauce over the top of the manicotti. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
• Step 9: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
• Step 10: Let the manicotti cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Notes

• Tip 1: Oven-ready Lasagne are flat 7" x 3 1/2" noodles that do not require boiling.
• Tip 2: I used a 9 ounce package of Barilla, which comes with 16 in the box.
• Tip 3: Other brands may come with fewer noodles.

Keyword easy pasta recipes, family dinner ideas, Italian Comfort Food, spinach manicotti

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Meet Romina Scott

Welcome to my kitchen. I founded Recipes By Romina with a simple goal: to share the fresh, vibrant, and reliable flavors that I love most. I personally develop and approve every single dish on this site to ensure it is not only delicious but also easy for you to recreate at home. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert, I hope this recipe inspires you to grab an apron and get cooking!