Cheesy Spinach Manicotti with Marinara Sauce Recipe
This classic baked Manicotti recipe features pasta shells stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, layered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy and comforting Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Manicotti:
- 16 ounces Marinara Sauce (store bought or homemade)
- 8 ounces Manicotti Shells (approximately 14-15 shells)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 8 ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (divided)
- 1 cup Spinach (chopped)
- 1 Large Egg (lightly beaten)
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the manicotti later.
- Cook the manicotti shells: Boil the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, half of the shredded mozzarella, chopped spinach, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Fill the shells: Transfer the cheese mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off. Pipe about 3-4 tablespoons of the filling into each manicotti shell, filling them completely by piping a small amount into each side of the shell.
- Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the manicotti: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling, the cheese is melted and golden, and the filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious baked manicotti!
Notes
- When piping the cheese filling, pipette a small amount of cheese into each side of the shell to ensure it’s completely filled.
- Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture, but frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained) can also work.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
