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Introduction
This delectable Cheesy Spinach Manicotti Delight is a warming, comforting dish that will brighten up cold February days. It’s perfect for a special family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. The creamy ricotta cheese paired with nutritious spinach makes for a delightful, savory experience in every bite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
250 grams of uncooked manicotti shells
500 grams of ricotta cheese
150 grams of shredded mozzarella cheese
100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
250 grams of fresh spinach
2 large eggs
10 grams of minced garlic
1 gram of salt
1 gram of black pepper
750 ml of marinara sauce
30 ml of olive oil
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook manicotti shells in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, eggs, cooked spinach, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach filling using a piping bag or a small spoon.
6. Spread 250 ml of marinara sauce over the bottom of a large baking dish. Place filled manicotti shells in the dish in a single layer.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti shells.
8. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the manicotti rest for a few minutes before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Cook Manicotti Shells
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti shells until al dente, approximately 7–8 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3: Prepare the Spinach Mixture
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, which should take around 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, the eggs, cooked spinach, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 5: Fill the Manicotti Shells
Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach filling.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread 250 ml of marinara sauce over the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in the dish in a single layer.
Step 7: Add Marinara Sauce
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti shells, ensuring they are well covered.
Step 8: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the manicotti.
Step 9: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 10: Bake Uncovered
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 11: Rest Before Serving
Allow the manicotti to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
Note 1: Cooking Manicotti
Be careful not to overcook the manicotti shells; they should remain firm since they will continue cooking in the oven.
Note 2: Filling Options
Feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or different herbs to enhance the flavor.
Note 3: Make Ahead
This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the manicotti and cover with foil, then refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Note 4: Serving Suggestion
Serve with a fresh green salad and garlic bread to complete your meal.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftover Cheesy Spinach Manicotti Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in the fridge to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the manicotti. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Serve the Cheesy Spinach Manicotti Delight with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A light tomato or balsamic vinaigrette salad pairs wonderfully and enhances the flavors.
Wine Pairings
Consider pairing this dish with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, which complements the creamy texture of the cheese.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Based on 4 Servings)
Calories: 600
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 55g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 25g
This dish is high in calcium and protein due to the rich cheese contents, and it contains a good dose of iron and vitamins from the fresh spinach.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ricotta Cheese
You can use cottage cheese or a dairy-free ricotta alternative if you need a lighter option or a vegan substitute.
Spinach
If fresh spinach is not available, frozen spinach can be used as an alternative. Just ensure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile. For a healthier option, use reduced-fat cheese.
Marinara Sauce
Homemade tomato sauce or any other tomato-based pasta sauce can replace store-bought marinara for a fresher taste.
Cook Techniques
Boiling Pasta
To achieve perfectly cooked manicotti shells, boil them in salted water until al dente. This typically takes about 7–8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Sautéing Spinach
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute before adding fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, which takes approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Mixing Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, eggs, cooked spinach, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix until all ingredients are evenly blended.
Filling Manicotti Shells
To fill the manicotti shells, use a piping bag for ease, or a small spoon to carefully stuff each shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Be gentle to prevent breaking the shells.
Baking
Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, place the filled manicotti in a single layer, then pour more sauce over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
Resting
After baking, let the manicotti rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to dish out.
FAQ
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill the manicotti shells.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly before adding it to the cheese mixture.
What if I don’t have manicotti shells?
You can substitute with jumbo pasta shells, but filling them might be a bit different due to their shape.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes, you can add cooked ground meat or Italian sausage to the filling if you prefer a heartier dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Spinach Manicotti Delight is not only a comforting dish, but it also embodies the richness of Italian cuisine. The combination of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, cheese, and a hearty marinara sauce comes together beautifully, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to leave everyone satisfied and happy.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Switch up the manicotti for large pasta shells filled with the same delicious ricotta and spinach mixture. Top with marinara and extra cheese for a delightful alternative.
Vegetable Lasagna
Layer lasagna noodles with ricotta, spinach, and a variety of vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers. Finish with marinara sauce and cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Manicotti
Incorporate cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into the ricotta filling for a protein-packed version, topped with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a twist.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the same filling mix to stuff bell peppers, then bake them with marinara sauce and cheese until bubbly and golden for a colorful, healthy meal.
Pasta Primavera
Sauté a mix of seasonal vegetables and toss them with your choice of pasta and light olive oil or marinara sauce for a fresh and colorful dish that complements the flavors of manicotti.
