Craving a comforting Italian dish that will impress your guests? This Four-Cheese Spinach Manicotti is the answer. Stuffed with a creamy blend of cheeses and tender spinach, each bite is a delightful experience. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Imagine a plate filled with manicotti tubes, generously filled with a velvety mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and goat cheese. When baked to perfection in marinara sauce, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Deliciously Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Manicotti
This Four-Cheese Spinach Manicotti is a celebration of flavor and comfort. Picture tender pasta shells generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and goat cheese, complemented by fresh spinach. The vibrant marinara sauce acts as a perfect backdrop, enveloping each manicotti in savory goodness.
As you slice into the baked dish, the golden-brown melted mozzarella glistens invitingly. The top layer of cheese adds a delightful stretchiness, making it hard to resist diving in. Each bite offers a luscious blend of flavors that capture the essence of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients that Bring It All Together
A harmonious blend of cheeses creates the rich filling for this manicotti. The use of ricotta adds creaminess, while the sharpness of goat cheese provides a unique twist. Fresh spinach not only adds color but also enhances the nutritional profile.
The marinara sauce, which can be homemade or store-bought, contributes a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese. Topped with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella, this dish is designed to please both the eyes and palate.
Preparing the Perfect Manicotti
Preparation is key to achieving the perfect manicotti. Begin by cooking the manicotti shells according to the package instructions, ensuring they remain al dente. This step prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
While the shells cool, sauté the spinach until it wilts. This step enhances its flavor and texture. Mixing the sautéed spinach with the cheeses ensures an even distribution of taste throughout the filling.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Layering is an important part of the baking process. Start by spreading marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Once filled, arrange the manicotti with care and cover them generously with remaining sauce.
Covering the dish with foil initially traps steam, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Removing the foil towards the end of baking allows the cheese to bubble and brown, creating that irresistible crust on top.
Serving Suggestions for an Inviting Meal
This dish shines as the centerpiece of any meal. For a complete dining experience, pair it with a side of garlic bread and a glass of red wine. The garlic bread adds a crunchy texture, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
For a pop of freshness, consider garnishing with fresh basil before serving. It not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fragrant finish that complements the flavors of the manicotti.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Four-Cheese Spinach Manicotti is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. Its comforting nature, combined with a blend of flavors and textures, makes it a satisfying meal. This dish is sure to impress, creating memorable moments around the dinner table.
With its rich history in Italian cuisine, this manicotti brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, each bite is a reminder of the pleasures of good food and great company.
Deliciously Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Manicotti
This Four-Cheese Spinach Manicotti features tender pasta shells filled with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and goat cheese, mixed with sautéed spinach. Baked in a savory marinara sauce and topped with extra cheese, it’s a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped spinach and sauté until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, goat cheese, sautéed spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti on top. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with extra mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g