Spinach Cheese Manicotti: A Creamy, Dreamy Italian Delight
Spinach and cheese manicotti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe features tender manicotti shells stuffed with a creamy, cheesy ricotta and spinach filling, baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
This recipe provides detailed instructions, helpful tips, and variations to help you create the perfect spinach cheese manicotti every time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this guide easy to follow and the results incredibly satisfying.
## Why You’ll Love This Spinach Cheese Manicotti
* **Creamy and Delicious:** The combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and mozzarella cheese creates a rich and flavorful filling that’s simply irresistible.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** Manicotti is a classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the manicotti ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily customized to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or meats.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
**For the Manicotti:**
* 12 manicotti shells
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended!)
* 2 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**
* **Manicotti Shells:** You can find manicotti shells in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores. Look for the large, tube-shaped shells. Some require pre-cooking, so check the package instructions. If you can’t find manicotti shells, you can use cannelloni shells instead. However, cannelloni shells are typically thicker and require more filling. If your store does not have the large tubes, you can attempt using Jumbo pasta shells. Filling will be more difficult, and it will be harder to close up the shells, but they will still taste delicious.
* **Spinach:** Frozen chopped spinach is the most convenient option for this recipe. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Excess water will result in a soggy filling. Fresh spinach can also be used; you’ll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach, washed and chopped. Sauté the fresh spinach with the onion and garlic until wilted before adding it to the cheese mixture. You can also use other greens, like kale or chard, in place of spinach.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** Use whole-milk ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture. Part-skim ricotta cheese can also be used, but it may not be as creamy. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta cheese before using it. This will help prevent the filling from becoming watery.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always best, but pre-grated Parmesan cheese can also be used in a pinch. Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese.
* **Marinara Sauce:** Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. If you’re making your own marinara sauce, be sure to simmer it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Use shredded mozzarella cheese for easy melting. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese is a good option for this recipe.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot
* Colander
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Spoon or piping bag
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Aluminum foil (optional)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make spinach cheese manicotti:
**Step 1: Prepare the Manicotti Shells (if necessary)**
* Check the package instructions for your manicotti shells. Some brands require pre-cooking the shells before filling them. If required, cook the shells according to package directions until they are al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become too soft and difficult to handle. Drain the shells in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool slightly.
**Step 2: Make the Spinach and Cheese Filling**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Add the thawed and squeezed spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well to combine.
* Add the cooled spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
**Step 3: Fill the Manicotti Shells**
* There are two main methods for filling manicotti shells: using a spoon or using a piping bag. The piping bag is generally easier and less messy, but a spoon works just fine if you don’t have a piping bag.
* **Using a Spoon:** Carefully spoon the spinach and cheese filling into each manicotti shell, using your fingers to gently push the filling to the ends of the shell. Be careful not to overfill the shells, as the filling will expand during baking.
* **Using a Piping Bag:** Transfer the spinach and cheese filling to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or simply cut off the corner of a Ziploc bag). Pipe the filling into each manicotti shell, filling it completely.
**Step 4: Assemble the Manicotti**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1/2 cup) evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce, seam-side down.
* Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti shells, making sure they are evenly covered.
* Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the manicotti.
**Step 5: Bake the Manicotti**
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (optional, but recommended to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly). Bake for 25 minutes.
* Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**
* Remove the manicotti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Spinach Cheese Manicotti
* **Don’t Overcook the Manicotti Shells:** If you’re using manicotti shells that require pre-cooking, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shells will be too soft and difficult to handle, and they may fall apart during baking. Cook them until they are al dente, or slightly undercooked.
* **Squeeze Out Excess Water from the Spinach:** This is crucial for preventing a soggy filling. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach.
* **Don’t Overfill the Manicotti Shells:** Overfilling the shells can cause them to burst during baking. Fill them just enough so that they are full but not overflowing.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the finished dish. Use fresh, high-quality ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce for the best results.
* **Bake Covered (Optional):** Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first part of baking helps to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. This is especially helpful if you’re using a lot of cheese on top.
* **Let it Rest:** Letting the manicotti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. It also helps to prevent the filling from oozing out when you cut into the manicotti.
## Variations and Additions
This spinach cheese manicotti recipe is a great starting point, but there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Add Meat:** Ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken can be added to the spinach and cheese filling for a heartier dish. Brown the meat before adding it to the filling.
* **Add Vegetables:** Diced vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added to the spinach and cheese filling for added flavor and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables with the onion and garlic before adding them to the filling.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses in the filling. Fontina, provolone, or mozzarella cheese can be added to the ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil can be added to the spinach and cheese filling for added flavor. Add the herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or to the spinach and cheese filling for a little heat.
* **Use a Different Sauce:** Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, or a creamy tomato sauce can be used in place of marinara sauce for a different flavor.
* **Add a Bechamel Layer:** Make a simple bechamel sauce (white sauce) and spread it over the manicotti before adding the mozzarella cheese. This will add an extra layer of creaminess to the dish.
## Serving Suggestions
Spinach cheese manicotti is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Garlic Bread:** A classic accompaniment to pasta dishes.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
* **Italian Bread:** Crusty Italian bread for soaking up the sauce.
* **Wine:** A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
Spinach cheese manicotti is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the manicotti completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the manicotti is cold from the refrigerator.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover spinach cheese manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a single serving of spinach cheese manicotti typically contains:
* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Saturated Fat: 10-15 grams
* Cholesterol: 100-150 mg
* Sodium: 500-700 mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams
* Protein: 20-25 grams
## Conclusion
Spinach cheese manicotti is a delicious and satisfying Italian-American dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking with different vegetables, cheeses, and meats. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a creamy, dreamy Italian delight!
Enjoy your home made Spinach Cheese Manicotti!