Spinach manicotti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It is a great way to use up leftover spinach, and it can also be made ahead of time, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights. Manicotti is a type of pasta that is typically filled with a ricotta cheese mixture and then baked in a tomato sauce. The spinach gives the dish a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the creamy ricotta filling. The tomato sauce adds a savory and tangy element to the dish, and it helps to keep the manicotti moist. If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, spinach manicotti is a great option.
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MAKE-AHEAD SPINACH MANICOTTI
When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. -Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h
Yield 7 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and seasonings. In another large bowl, mix spaghetti sauce and water; spread 1 cup into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Fill uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture; arrange over sauce. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce mixture over top. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, uncovered, 40-50 minutes or until manicotti is tender. Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 363 calories, Fat 16g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 822mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 22g protein.
MAKE-AHEAD SPINACH MANICOTTI
This is so yummy! The addition of spinach makes it extra good!! Also, its a "make-ahead meal" and that is always handy!
Provided by Courtly
Categories Manicotti
Time 1h20m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, parsley, onion powder, pepper and garlic powder.
- Combine the spaghetti sauce and water; spread 1 cup sauce in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
- Stuff uncooked manicotti with spinach mixture; arrange over sauce.
- Pour remaining sauce over manicotti.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozaarella and Parmesan.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 40-50 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.7, Fat 21.2, SaturatedFat 12.5, Cholesterol 106, Sodium 478.9, Carbohydrate 34.2, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 1.8, Protein 27.3
Tips:
- Prepare the spinach filling in advance: To save time, cook and chop the spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder up to 2 days ahead of time. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Use a large pot to boil the manicotti shells: Make sure the pot is large enough to hold all of the shells without overcrowding. This will help to prevent the shells from sticking together.
- Don't boil the manicotti shells for too long: Cook the shells according to the package directions, but be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shells will be mushy and difficult to fill.
- Stuff the manicotti shells carefully: Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the shells with the spinach filling. Be careful not to overstuff the shells, or they may split open during baking.
- Use a baking dish that is large enough to hold the manicotti shells in a single layer: This will help to ensure that the shells cook evenly.
- Cover the manicotti shells with foil: This will help to keep the shells moist during baking.
- Bake the manicotti shells until they are heated through: The shells should be cooked through and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
- Serve the manicotti shells immediately: Manicotti shells are best served hot and fresh out of the oven.
Conclusion:
Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. The spinach filling is creamy and flavorful, and the manicotti shells are cooked to perfection. This dish can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for parties or potlucks.
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