Make-Ahead Manicotti

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Spinach Manicotti, a vegetarian Italian classic that’s perfect for meal prep. This dish features tender manicotti shells filled with a rich blend of ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella, making it a satisfying option for busy weeknights. Suitable for those following a vegetarian diet, this recipe does contain dairy, eggs, and gluten, so be mindful of allergies.

The creamy filling and savory spaghetti sauce create a harmonious flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. Easily accessible through your easyChef Pro cookbook, this recipe comes with a convenient shopping list feature, ensuring you get the best value for your ingredients.

Get ready to impress your family with this make-ahead meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious!

Overview

This Make-Ahead Manicotti is a delicious and convenient dish perfect for busy days. With a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, this Italian classic is prepared in advance and baked to perfection when you're ready to serve.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Cuisine

Italian

Serving Size: 6

Cooking Time: 90 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Pint (pt) ricotta cheese
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 10 Ounces (oz) package frozen spinach, drained
• 1 Cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 Cup Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1.5 Tablespoons (tbsp) white sugar
• 0.125 Teaspoon (tsp) salt
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) black pepper, ground
• 12 Manicotti shells
• 1 32 Ounces (oz) jar spaghetti sauce

Steps

1. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese and eggs until blended. Stir in spinach, mozzarella cheese, 0.25 cup of Parmesan cheese, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stuff this mixture into the uncooked manicotti shells.
2. Pour 0.5 cup of spaghetti sauce into a medium baking dish and spread to cover the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours to overnight.
3. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the shells from the refrigerator.
4. Bake, covered, in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious Make-Ahead Manicotti!