Best 7 Spinach Cheese Manicotti Recipes

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Are you craving a delectable dish that combines the vibrant flavors of spinach and cheese, all wrapped in a tender pasta shell? Look no further than spinach cheese manicotti, a classic Italian dish that tantalizes the taste buds. This article will guide you through the culinary journey of crafting the perfect spinach cheese manicotti, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the art of stuffing and baking. With a few simple steps and a touch of culinary finesse, you'll be able to create this mouthwatering dish that will impress your loved ones and transport you to the heart of Italy.

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 STUFFED MANICOTTI



Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Manicotti image

This is a wonderfully cheesy manicotti recipe made easier by not having to cook the shells first. Comfort food at it's finest. The original recipe source idea is RecipeGirl, but made a few of my own changes and additions. Hope you try it, it is worth the time.

Provided by Meekocu2

Categories     Manicotti

Time 1h45m

Yield 12-14 manicotti, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed completely and squeezed dry
8 ounces shredded low fat part-skim mozzarella cheese
10 ounces low fat or 10 ounces fat-free ricotta cheese
4 ounces low fat or 4 ounces fat free cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded romano cheese, Parmesan, Asiagio cheese blend
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
1/8 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
uncooked manicotti noodles
3 hot Italian sausage links, casing removed, browned and drained
2 jars paul newman marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded romano cheese, Parmesan, Asiagio cheese blend
fresh mozzarella cheese, for topping

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350* F.
  • Combine sauce and sausage in the same skillet sausage was cooked, keep warm.
  • In a large bowl, mix spinach, cheeses, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir together until well blended.
  • Place about 2 cups sauce in a 9X13 inch casserole dish. Spread it around to cover the bottom.
  • Now, to fill the manicotti. You can do this however you wish. You can use a pastry bag, or a zip-lock bag with a corner cut, or a spoon. I chose to use an old baby spoon (from when my daughter was a baby, the kind with the rubber temperature controlled end). I had fantastic results doing it that way. I highly recommend doing it that way. You may have to fill half, turn manicotti around and fill from the other end, as I did. Try to get as much filling in as possible, letting it over flow from the ends. Place the filled shell into the sauce-lined dish. Repeat with the remaining manicotti shells, and fill the dish with the stuffed shells, until you either run out of room, or shells or filling. I ran out of room first, I got twelve into my casserole dish. (I did have left over filling, which I froze.) You could also use two separate smaller dishes, and freeze one for another meal.
  • Cover pasta with sauce, you don't have to use it all, just make sure all the exposed manicotti are covered in sauce, about 2 ½ cups. Place sliced mozzarella on top of sauce and sprinkle remaining ½ cup shredded cheese mix over the mozzarella. At this point, you can cover with foil and refrigerate until you're ready to bake, or you can cover with foil and place it in the oven immediately.
  • Bake, covered with foil, 50 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 10 minutes.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
  • Tips:.
  • It's perfectly fine if you want to use full fat versions of the cheeses, we just prefer the low fat and fat free versions.
  • It's perfectly fine to leave the spinach out and turn this into just a cheese manicotti.

CHEESE SPINACH MANICOTTI



Cheese Spinach Manicotti image

No one will even miss the meat in this hearty, delicious meal. Cream cheese and cottage cheese beef up the filling and give this lasagna-like dish a creamy base. -Julie Lower, Katy, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cans (8 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup dry red wine or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
FILLING:
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese
1-1/4 cups 2% cottage cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, wine, Italian seasoning, sugar and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, for filling, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cottage cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, eggs and salt., Stuff cream cheese mixture into uncooked manicotti shells. Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spay. Arrange manicotti over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top., Cover and bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until pasta is tender. Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 722mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

ULTIMATE CRAB AND SPINACH MANICOTTI WITH PARMESAN CHEESE SAUCE



Ultimate Crab and Spinach Manicotti With Parmesan Cheese Sauce image

You can cheat and make this with imitation crabmeat but of course the real stuff is better, if you are using frozen crabmeat make certain to squeeze out any excess moisture before using for this recipe --- if you are a spinach lover then add in the full box of spinach if not just use half a box as the spinach tends be over powering, you can use 1 pound fresh spinach in place of frozen --- you can stuff the shells and refrigerate until ready to bake, and this is also great with a red sauce instead of the Parmesan cheese sauce :)

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Crab

Time 1h25m

Yield 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup butter (no substitutes)
1/4 cup flour
1 cup full-fat milk
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
Tabasco sauce
1 lb crabmeat, flaked (fresh or frozen)
1 (20 ounce) box frozen spinach (cooked and well drained, squeeze out moisture with hands)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese (can use more to taste)
2 large green onions, chopped
1 large egg, beaten
salt and pepper
shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
15 manicotti, cooked to only firm-tender

Steps:

  • To make the sauce: in a saucepan over medium heat melt butter.
  • Add in flour and whisk for about 3 minutes.
  • Add in milk and half and half whisk over heat until bubbly and thickened.
  • Add in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and Tabasco to taste; stir until the cheese melts.
  • Set oven to 375 degrees.
  • Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  • In a bowl mix together crab, well drained spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, onions, egg, salt and pepper; mix well to combine.
  • Fill each cooked shell with crab/cheese filling using clean hands.
  • Place in a single layer in prepared baking dish.
  • Cover with the Parmesan cheese sauce (does not have to cover completely!).
  • Sprinkle with grated mozzeralla cheese (any amount desired).
  • Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes (do not over bake!).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 234.8, Fat 15.2, SaturatedFat 9.2, Cholesterol 72.7, Sodium 602.4, Carbohydrate 6.9, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 1.6, Protein 18.3

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-AND-CHEESE-STUFFED MANICOTTI



SPINACH-AND-CHEESE-STUFFED MANICOTTI image

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Tomato     Vegetarian     Dinner

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 dried manicotti shells
1 cup each ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 beaten egg
1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1/8 tsp. each ground nutmeg and pepper
1 can (6 oz.) CONTADINA® Tomato Paste
1 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed

Steps:

  • Cook manicotti shells according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, combine ricotta, 3/4 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, spinach, nutmeg and pepper. Spoon about 3 tablespoons into each shell. Arrange shells in 2-quart baking dish. Combine tomato paste, broth, mushrooms and Italian seasoning; season with salt, if desired. Pour over shells. Bake, covered, in preheated 350°F oven, 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake 10 minutes more. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

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.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your manicotti.
  • Don't overcook the manicotti shells. They should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Use a variety of cheeses in the filling. This will give the manicotti a more complex flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces. You can use a tomato sauce, a cream sauce, or even a pesto sauce.
  • Serve the manicotti immediately after it is cooked. This will ensure that the pasta is hot and the cheese is melted.

Conclusion:

Spinach cheese manicotti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make this dish at home. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting pasta dish to try, give spinach cheese manicotti a try. You won't be disappointed!

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