Best 7 Spinach Cheese Manicotti Meatless Recipes

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If you're searching for a meatless main course that is sure to impress your family and friends, look no further than spinach cheese manicotti. This classic Italian dish is made with large pasta tubes that are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, then baked in a tomato sauce. Manicotti is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. For example, you can use different types of cheese, such as ricotta, Parmesan, or mozzarella, and you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. No matter how you make it, spinach cheese manicotti is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI



Spinach Cheese Manicotti image

The creamy cheese filling in these yummy stuffed shells has a pretty flecks of spinach. Margaret Truxton, Pinehurst, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
8 manicotti shells, cooked and drained
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • In a small skillet, saute onion in oil for 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Set aside. , In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper; beat until smooth. Stir in onion mixture and spinach. Stuff into the manicotti shells., Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Arrange shells over sauce; top with remaining sauce., Cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 682 calories, Fat 38g fat (19g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 1418mg sodium, Carbohydrate 56g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 33g protein.

SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI



Spinach Cheese Manicotti image

My husband says this dish is restaurant quality. It can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator overnight. Very filling and great served with a salad and garlic bread.

Provided by Ernie

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
½ cup minced onion
1 egg
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
1 ½ cups water
1 (8 ounce) package manicotti shells

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, onion and egg. Season with parsley, pepper and garlic powder. Mix in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. In a separate bowl, stir together spaghetti sauce and water.
  • Spread 1 cup sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Stuff uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture, and arrange in a single layer in the dish. Cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until noodles are soft.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 576.1 calories, Carbohydrate 69 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 20.5 g, Fiber 9.2 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 1409.9 mg, Sugar 24.4 g

SPINACH CHEESE MANICOTTI (MEATLESS)



Spinach Cheese Manicotti (Meatless) image

Adapted from Taste of Home magazine. Prep time also includes time to cook the manicotti noodles. I added cinnamon and nutmeg to the mixture, to taste. Make sure you squeeze the thawed spinach as dry as possible.

Provided by HeatherFeather

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (canola or olive)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded,divided (4 ounces)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated,divided
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
8 manicotti, cooked and drained acording to package directions
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/8-1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8-1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • In a small skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil for about 3 minutes, set aside.
  • In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, just 1/2 cup of the mozarella, all of the cream cheese, just 4 Tbsp of the Parmesan,the Italian seasoning, and the pepper until smooth.
  • Add the onion mixture to the cheese mixture, along with the spinach (along with a dash to taste of both freshly grated nutmeg and some cinnamon).
  • Fill the cooked manicotti noodles either with a spoon or by piping the mixture (using a decorating bag or a ziptop bag with one end snipped off).
  • Pour half of the sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13" casserole.
  • Place filled manicotti in the pan on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
  • Cover an bake at 350 F 25 minutes.
  • Remove the cover, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and bake another 5-10 minutes more to melt cheese.

SPINACH AND CHEESE MANICOTTI RECIPE BY TASTY



Spinach And Cheese Manicotti Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: manicotti shells, shredded italian cheese blend, ricotta cheese, frozen cut spinach, cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, himalayan sea salt, pepper, dry parsley flakes, dry oregano, dry basil, garlic powder, onion powder, marinara sauce, fresh thyme

Provided by Sarah LaDue

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 box manicotti shells, follow box directions to prepare
12 cups shredded italian cheese blend
11 containers ricotta cheese, 15 oz (425 G)
1 bag frozen cut spinach
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup grated parmesan cheese, (reserve ¼ cup for serving)
½ teaspoon himalayan sea salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon dry parsley flakes
¾ tablespoon dry oregano
½ tablespoon dry basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 ½ jars marinara sauce, (can serve with extra) 24 oz (680 G)
¼ teaspoon fresh thyme

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Cook manicotti al dente. Then, rinse pasta with cool water and drain well.
  • Stir together all the spinach blend ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside.
  • In the bottom of an ungreased 13x9 (3 qt) glass baking dish, spread 1 ½ cups (390 G) pasta sauce along the bottom.
  • Spoon spinach mixture into a piping or a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Snip 1 inch (2.5 cm) off the corner - you want it big enough to fill the manicotti and be able to let all the ingredients pass through without clogging the piping hole.
  • Hold a manicotti shell in your hand and squeeze the filling inside the shell. Let it overflow just a bit on both sides.
  • Place the filled shells into the bottom of the pan: if you run out of room in your pan, use a separate smaller pan to accommodate the extra.
  • Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for about 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling.
  • Uncover dish and top with more sauce. Then, sprinkle remaining ½ cup Italian cheese blend on top of the sauce.
  • Bake uncovered for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Sprinkle with thyme and add some fresh chives (optional) upon serving. Serve hot.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1099 calories, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 87 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 61 grams, Sugar 6 grams

OVERNIGHT SPINACH MANICOTTI



Overnight Spinach Manicotti image

A friend gave me an awesome recipe for manicotti...and I set out to make it a little healthier. Now, whether we have company, my husband asks me to serve this. Even our 2-year-old son loves it! -Tonya Fitzgerald of West Monroe, Louisiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 large egg whites
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4-1/2 cups meatless spaghetti sauce
3/4 cup water
1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg whites, parsley, salt, onion powder, pepper and garlic powder. Combine spaghetti sauce and water; spread 1 cup in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Stuff uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture; arrange over tomato sauce. Top with remaining sauce. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30- minutes before baking. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 423 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 1128mg sodium, Carbohydrate 51g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

KITTENCAL'S SPINACH & FOUR-CHEESE MANICOTTI (VEGETARIAN)



Kittencal's Spinach & Four-Cheese Manicotti (Vegetarian) image

I have been making this recipe for years, it is *the best* manicotti recipe hands down! --- I have made this many times for dinner parties and have made it for socials and large gatherings increasing amounts of coarse, I have even served this at my Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday table as an extra dish along with a turkey or ham --- to save time I always mix up the filling a day ahead and refrigerate this will also give the flavors a chance to blend together, or you may prepare up to step #9 cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours --- don't forget to cook the spinach first before using for this recipe

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 manicotti

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (optional)
2 teaspoons fresh garlic (no more than that or the garlic will overpower the other ingredients!)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (can use a bit more)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (can use more)
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
salt (to taste I use seasoned salt)
1/2-1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (cooked according to package directions, then hand-squeezed dry to remove excess moisture)
8 manicotti, cooked and drained (you might use more shells so I would cook 10)
4 -6 cups marinara sauce (see my Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian))
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (or to taste)
mozzarella cheese, for topping (any amount desired)

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  • In a skillet, saute onion (if using) in oil for about 4 minutes or until softened (adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes).
  • In a mixing bowl combine the ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cup mozza cheese, cream cheese, 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning; beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and well combined.
  • Season with white salt or seasoned salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Stir in onion mixture and spinach; mix well to combine.
  • Spoon into cooked and cooled manicotti shells.
  • Pour half of the pasta sauce into the prepared baking dish.
  • Arrange shells over sauce (at this point you may cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or continue with the recipe as follows).
  • Top with the remaining sauce, use a spoon to spread the sauce over the shells (the sauce does not have to cover the shells completely).
  • Sprinkle about 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (or to taste) over the sauce.
  • Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Uncover and top with mozzeralla cheese (any amount desired).
  • Bake 5 mins longer, or until cheese is melted.
  • Let stand 10 mins before serving.
  • Note; If desired the spinach can be omitted completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.9, Fat 26.4, SaturatedFat 12.2, Cholesterol 64.7, Sodium 880.7, Carbohydrate 22.2, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 12.5, Protein 17.1

EASY CHEESY MANICOTTI



Easy Cheesy Manicotti image

Cut prep time by stuffing uncooked manicotti shells with a comforting cheese and spinach filling.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h45m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 jar (26 oz) chunky-style tomato pasta sauce
2 boxes (9 oz each) frozen spinach, thawed, well drained
1 container (12 oz) small curd creamed cottage cheese (1 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (8 oz) manicotti shells (14 shells)
1/4 cup water
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish, spread about one-third of the pasta sauce.
  • Mix spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano and pepper. Fill uncooked manicotti shells with spinach mixture; place on sauce in baking dish.
  • In medium bowl, mix remaining pasta sauce and water. Pour sauce mixture evenly over shells, covering completely. Cover; bake 1 hour. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover; bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until shells are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fiber 5 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1000 mg, Sugar 13 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • To make the manicotti more flavorful, use a combination of cheeses, such as ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
  • If you don't have manicotti shells, you can use jumbo pasta shells or lasagna noodles.
  • To make the sauce more flavorful, use a combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning.
  • To prevent the manicotti from drying out, cover them with foil before baking.
  • Serve the manicotti with a side of garlic bread or a salad.

Conclusion:

Spinach cheese manicotti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover spinach and cheese, and it can be easily customized to suit your own taste. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, spinach cheese manicotti is sure to please everyone at your table.

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