How to Create Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti: A Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever wondered how to make a delicious stuffed pasta dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor? If you’re a fan of comfort food, cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti is bound to become one of your new favorites! This classic Italian dish looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. In today’s blog, I’ll walk you through an easy, step-by-step recipe to create a mouthwatering meal that your family will love.
What Is Manicotti?
Manicotti is a type of tube-shaped pasta that’s perfect for stuffing. The name “manicotti” means “small sleeves” in Italian, which makes sense because they’re essentially hollow pasta tubes stuffed with delicious fillings. In this recipe, we’ll fill the manicotti with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan and bake it to bubbling perfection with marinara sauce.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti:
For the Filling:
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce:
– 8–12 manicotti pasta tubes (depending on package size)
– 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Optional Garnish:
– Fresh basil or parsley for serving
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Manicotti Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, gently add the manicotti tubes. Cook them until they are al dente (tender but still firm). This usually takes about 6–7 minutes, but check the package instructions for specifics.
When they’re done, drain the pasta carefully and lightly rinse it with cool water to prevent sticking. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Spinach Filling
If you’re using fresh spinach, chop it finely and sauté it in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until wilted. For frozen spinach, squeeze out any excess water and chop it if necessary. The spinach should be completely dry to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
– Ricotta cheese
– Shredded mozzarella
– Grated Parmesan
– Spinach
– One egg
– Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
Mix everything together until it forms a creamy, well-blended filling. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Fill the Manicotti
Filling the manicotti pasta tubes might sound tricky, but don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks! There are two common methods you can use:
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Method 1: Use a Spoon – Hold one end of a manicotti tube and gently spoon the filling into the other end. Press gently to fill it completely.
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Method 2: Use a Piping Bag (or Zip-Top Bag) – Scoop the filling into a piping bag or a large zip-top plastic bag. If using a zip-top bag, cut off one corner to create an opening. Pipe the filling into the manicotti tubes. This method is faster and less messy.
Repeat until all the manicotti tubes are filled.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti tubes in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, making sure the pasta is fully covered to prevent it from drying out in the oven.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Take the manicotti out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve the cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti with a fresh salad or garlic bread on the side for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Final Tips and Tricks
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the manicotti a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
- Customizations: For added flavor, try mixing cooked ground Italian sausage or crumbled bacon into the filling. You can also swap spinach for kale or other greens.
Cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed manicotti is a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving some comfort food. Best of all, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress even picky eaters. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’re going to love it!
Happy cooking! 🌟
