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!
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.