Spinach-Cheese Manicotti

Spinach-Cheese Manicotti Recipe | Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spinach-Cheese Manicotti is a delicious and comforting Italian dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines the flavors of spinach, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese stuffed into manicotti shells and baked to perfection in a savory spaghetti sauce.

History

Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. The word "manicotti" actually means "little sleeves" in Italian, referring to the pasta tubes that are stuffed with a filling. This dish has been a favorite in Italian households for generations and has since become popular in many other countries around the world.

Ingredients

1 (10 oz) package frozen, chopped spinach
1 (32 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
1 egg
1 (16 oz) carton ricotta cheese
2 (8 oz) packages shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
1 (8 oz) package manicotti (14 shells), uncooked

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 13"x9"x2" baking dish.
Cook the spinach according to the package directions.
Drain well and squeeze dry; set it aside.
Place 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of the dish. Stir in water; set it aside.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg. Stir in the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, spinach, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Using a table knife, fill the manicotti shells with the spinach mixture.
Arrange the filled shells in the dish. Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells to coat them completely. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 1.25 hours or until the shells are very tender when pierced with a fork.
Sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Variations

Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the cheese mixture for a meaty twist.
Use different types of cheese like Parmesan or fontina for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the spinach thoroughly and drain it well to remove excess moisture.

- Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off to easily fill the manicotti shells with the spinach-cheese mixture.

- Cover the dish tightly with foil while baking to ensure that the manicotti shells cook evenly and stay moist.

- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spinach-Cheese Manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a special touch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the manicotti shells until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Use a spoon or your fingers to carefully stuff the cheese mixture into the manicotti shells without breaking them.

- Cover the dish with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese instead of ricotta cheese.

- Substitute the mozzarella cheese with provolone or cheddar cheese.

- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen, but be sure to cook it down before adding it to the cheese mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the Spinach-Cheese Manicotti ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add extra sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spinach-Cheese Manicotti with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve it on a platter with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spinach-Cheese Manicotti with a light and crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Spinach-Cheese Manicotti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spinach-Cheese Manicotti contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spinach-Cheese Manicotti contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spinach-Cheese Manicotti contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spinach-Cheese Manicotti contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Ricotta cheese provides calcium and phosphorus, while mozzarella cheese adds vitamin B12 and zinc to the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta and mozzarella cheese) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Spinach-Cheese Manicotti is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet in moderation.

Summary

Spinach-Cheese Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please a crowd. With its creamy cheese filling and savory sauce, this recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the flavors of Italy with this delicious Spinach-Cheese Manicotti recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara. She had invited me over for lunch, and as we chatted and caught up, she mentioned that she was going to make her famous Spinach-Cheese Manicotti.

I had never heard of this dish before, but as Clara described it to me, my mouth began to water. A creamy mixture of spinach and cheese, tucked inside tender tubes of pasta and smothered in marinara sauce – it sounded like a dream come true.

As Clara set to work in her cozy kitchen, I watched intently, taking mental notes of each step she took. She began by sautéing garlic and onions in a large skillet until they were golden and fragrant. Then, she added a mound of fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt down to a fraction of their original size.

Next, Clara turned her attention to the cheese mixture. She combined ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan in a mixing bowl, along with a handful of chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutmeg. She then folded in the cooked spinach mixture, creating a rich and creamy filling that smelled divine.

Once the filling was ready, Clara carefully spooned it into cooked manicotti shells, using a small spoon to stuff each one to the brim. She arranged the filled shells in a baking dish, pouring a generous amount of marinara sauce over the top and sprinkling with more cheese.

As the manicotti baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with a mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach growl with anticipation. When Clara finally pulled the dish out of the oven, the cheese was bubbly and golden, and the sauce was thick and rich.

We sat down at Clara's dining table, our plates piled high with manicotti. The first bite was a revelation – the pasta was perfectly cooked, the filling creamy and flavorful, and the sauce tangy and sweet. I savored every bite, feeling grateful for Clara's generosity in sharing her recipe with me.

After lunch, I begged Clara to write down the recipe for me so that I could make it at home. She obliged, and I carefully copied down each step, making notes in the margins about substitutions and variations I could try.

Over the years, I have made Clara's Spinach-Cheese Manicotti countless times, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes to the filling, swapped out the marinara sauce for a creamy alfredo, and even tried making the pasta from scratch.

Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in Clara's kitchen, where I first fell in love with the flavors and textures of Spinach-Cheese Manicotti. I am grateful for the friendships I have forged over the years, and for the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me.

As I grow older and my own grandchildren start to show an interest in cooking, I look forward to sharing this recipe with them. I hope that they will find as much joy and satisfaction in making Spinach-Cheese Manicotti as I have, and that they will carry on the tradition of sharing good food and good company with those they love.