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–+ servings
baked manicotti stuffed with cheese and spinach
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Four Cheese Spinach Manicotti

Extra cheesy pasta is always a win in our house!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 659kcal
Author Karly Campbell

Ingredients

For the manicotti:

  • 12 ounces manicotti
  • 16 ounces Ricotta cheese
  • 6 ounces Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 6 ounces Parmesan shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh baby Spinach
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced

Basic Marinara Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
  • 45 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

For the manicotti:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the manicotti and cook for 7 minutes. Drain.
  • Set aside the pasta to cool and begin making the filling. 
  • In a large bowl, mix together the Ricotta cheese, 3 ounces of Mozzarella, 3 ounces of Parmesan, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and basil.
  • Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach, onion, and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent and the spinach has wilted, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the spinach to the cheese mixture and stir well to combine.
  • When the pasta is cool enough to handle, use a small spoon to scoop the filling into the pasta. Alternately, place the filling in a plastic bag and snip off the end. Squirt the filling into the manicotti.
  • Cover the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with a thin layer of marinara sauce. Arrange your pasta in the baking dish. Cover with the remaining marinara sauce and top with the remaining cheese. 
  • Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to browned on top. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

For the sauce:

  • Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. 
  • Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and simmer for 30 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Store sauce tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

Video

Notes

Use store bought marinara, if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 659kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 1085mg | Potassium: 591mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1705IU | Vitamin C: 7.8mg | Calcium: 726mg | Iron: 2.7mg