Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti: A Hearty Italian Classic

Introduction

Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti is a comforting Italian classic that brings warmth and flavor to the table. The creamy and cheesy ricotta filling, paired with tender spinach and savory marinara sauce, creates a dish that is as satisfying as it is delicious. Perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The rich flavors, hearty pasta, and cheesy goodness are just a few reasons why this dish stands out.

I first tried Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti at a family gathering, and it quickly became a hit. Since then, I’ve been making it on repeat. The combination of spinach, ricotta, and marinara sauce creates a dish that’s hearty without being too heavy. Plus, it’s a simple yet impressive way to enjoy classic Italian flavors right at home. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is approachable and perfect for anyone looking to make a comforting, flavorful meal. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish and how you can make it perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti recipe has many things to love. First, it’s simple yet elegant, perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a hearty dinner. The creamy ricotta filling combined with the tender spinach and rich marinara sauce makes for a balanced dish that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual dinner, the flavor and texture are guaranteed to please.

The recipe is incredibly versatile as well. While it’s great as-is, you can add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even Italian sausage to the filling for an extra punch of flavor. You can also prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or holiday feasts.

Additionally, the creamy ricotta filling paired with the fresh spinach offers a satisfying, nutritious element to the dish. You’ll be sneaking in some greens without anyone noticing, and that’s always a win!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (30 minutes prep, 60 minutes baking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 21g
  • Carbs: 47g
  • Fat: 22g

Ingredients

For the Manicotti:

• 12 manicotti tubes (uncooked)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Spinach and Ricotta Filling:

• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Marinara Sauce:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing:

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

Start by preparing the marinara sauce. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a deep, rich flavor. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Manicotti

While the marinara sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti tubes and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes, until they are just al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta since it will bake in the oven later. Drain the manicotti and lay them out on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Prepare the Spinach and Ricotta Filling

Now it’s time to prepare the filling. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained—you don’t want any excess moisture in the filling. You can press the spinach in a fine-mesh sieve or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the moisture.

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Add the drained spinach, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, and mix everything together until it’s well incorporated. The filling should be thick and creamy.

Step 4: Stuff the Manicotti

Carefully stuff each manicotti tube with the spinach and ricotta filling. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the tubes, but be gentle to avoid breaking them. If you’re using a spoon, it helps to hold the manicotti vertically while you fill each one.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a small amount of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches) to prevent the manicotti from sticking. Then, arrange the stuffed manicotti tubes in the dish, being careful not to overcrowd them.

Once all the manicotti are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that the pasta is well covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you want the top to be extra crispy, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the manicotti is finished baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and added flavor, then serve the manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this classic Italian dish!

How to Serve

Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti is perfect as a main dish and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light balsamic vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the richness of the dish. You could also serve it with garlic bread or a crusty loaf of Italian bread to mop up any extra marinara sauce.

For drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs nicely with the creamy cheese filling and tangy tomato sauce. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a glass of sparkling water with lemon will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meal.

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh spinach: While frozen spinach is convenient, fresh spinach will yield a brighter, fresher flavor. If using fresh spinach, sauté it with a bit of olive oil and garlic until wilted, then chop it before adding to the filling.
2. Don’t overstuff the manicotti: It’s easy to overstuff the pasta tubes, but this can cause them to break during baking. Use just enough filling to stuff them gently.
3. Make it ahead: This dish can be assembled up to a day in advance. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from the refrigerator.
4. Try different cheeses: For a different flavor profile, try adding a bit of fontina cheese, goat cheese, or feta to the ricotta filling.
5. Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked manicotti for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time by about 20 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Add meat: For a non-vegetarian version, try adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or chicken to the spinach and ricotta filling for a heartier dish.
• Vegan version: Use dairy-free ricotta, vegan mozzarella, and skip the egg to make this dish vegan-friendly.
• Extra veggies: You can mix in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture in the filling.

Serving Suggestions

To round out the meal, pair Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti with a light vegetable side dish, such as roasted Brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus, or a fresh tomato salad. The richness of the pasta is nicely complemented by the freshness of these vegetables.

If you’re looking for something more filling, consider a hearty soup like minestrone or tomato basil soup to start the meal. The warmth and flavors of these soups are a perfect precursor to the main course.

Storage and Leftovers

Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Reheat the manicotti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

You can also freeze this dish before baking. Assemble the manicotti, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Print

Conclusion

Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti is a delicious, satisfying, and versatile dish that brings the best of Italian comfort food right to your table. Whether you enjoy it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because, the creamy filling and tangy marinara sauce will delight your taste buds. The recipe is forgiving, making it easy to customize with additional ingredients or to make ahead for convenience. If you haven’t tried making manicotti before, this is the perfect recipe to start with—your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite of this classic Italian dish