Name: Cheesy Spinach Manicotti with Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 dried manicotti shells; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (from 2 1/2 cups divided); 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Dash of crushed red pepper flakes; Pinch ground nutmeg (optional); 25 oz jar marinara sauce, divided (can use homemade marinara); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (remaining from 2 1/2 cups); 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you love indulging in Italian comfort food, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Spinach Manicotti with Marinara Sauce Recipe! This dish combines tender pasta shells stuffed with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and freshly squeezed spinach, all smothered in vibrant marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of herbaceous freshness that will make you want to savor it over and over again. It’s a classic, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with several layers of ingredients, starting with two bright yellow egg yolks on the bottom left, surrounded by shredded pale yellow cheese on the upper left and finely grated pale cheese on the right side. On top of the cheeses and eggs, there are small piles of dark green chopped herbs or spinach, minced white garlic bits, and a mix of black pepper, salt, and other spices scattered mainly in the center and right areas. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a black spatula blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Cheesy Spinach Manicotti with Marinara Sauce Recipe lies in using simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own delightful notes—whether it’s creamy cheese, aromatic herbs, or perfectly cooked pasta. Here’s what you’ll gather before starting this flavorful adventure:

12 dried manicotti shells: Essential for holding the luscious filling, be sure to slightly undercook for the perfect texture.
15 ounces ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, mild base that balances the spinach and seasonings perfectly.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the cheese filling cohesive and smooth.
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: Adds vibrant color and a nutritious earthy taste without excess water.
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible stringy cheese pull.
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with aromatic depth and subtle warmth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all herbal flavors together.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick to the filling without overwhelming.
Dash of crushed red pepper flakes: For a subtle touch of heat that brightens the dish.
Pinch ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a warm, cozy note that complements the spinach beautifully.
25 oz jar marinara sauce, divided: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought tomato sauce to keep it rich and tangy.
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil, for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish right before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Manicotti with Marinara Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Manicotti Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried manicotti shells and cook them just 2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. This ensures they are pliable enough to stuff without breaking. Once cooked, drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the shells in a single layer on a clean towel or cooling rack so they don’t stick together as they cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheese and Spinach Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ricotta, the large egg, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and an optional pinch of nutmeg. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This filling becomes the creamy, flavorful heart of the dish that you’ll love spooning into those manicotti shells.

Step 3: Stuff the Manicotti Shells

Using a piping bag or a sturdy zip-top plastic bag with the corner snipped off, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Filling shells by hand can be messy, so piping ensures even distribution and less frustration. Be gentle to avoid tearing the delicate pasta.

Step 4: Assemble the Manicotti

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom—this prevents sticking and infuses flavor from underneath. Then, arrange your stuffed manicotti shells side by side in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti, ensuring each shell gets a generous coating. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over everything for that luscious, melty topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish lightly with foil that has been greased on one side to prevent sticking. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt and the dish to heat through. For the little golden brown touch that will have everyone swooning, turn on the broiler and place the dish under it for 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a very close eye to avoid burning. Once done, remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Manicotti with Marinara Sauce Recipe

The image shows a three-layered lasagna piece on a white plate with light speckles. The bottom layer is red tomato sauce spread unevenly with some sauce spilling on the plate. The middle layer is a white creamy cheese mixed with green herbs, visible from the sides. The top layer is melted pale yellow cheese sprinkled with small green herb pieces and red chili flakes. Fresh dark green basil leaves sit on top and around the lasagna. A silver fork with a white handle is stuck into the food from the top left. Around the plate, there are pieces of toasted bread and more basil leaves on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves add a bright, peppery punch and gorgeous green color that contrast perfectly with the red sauce and golden cheese. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving can also add a pleasant savory kick. For an elegant touch, sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or thin slices of fresh garlic sautéed in olive oil.

Side Dishes

To complete this rich and cheesy meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or a traditional Caesar salad. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is wonderful for mopping up the leftover marinara sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, add a healthy, slightly bitter complement that pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz up the presentation for a family dinner or entertaining, consider plating each stuffed manicotti shell individually with a drizzle of extra marinara sauce and fresh basil leaves arranged artistically. For a fun twist, try mini manicotti shells as appetizers, or bake the filling in manicotti shells inside individual ramekins for personal servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers from your Cheesy Spinach Manicotti with Marinara Sauce Recipe, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy filling and avoid drying out the pasta.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly and freezes beautifully before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen, adding extra cooking time accordingly. Baked leftovers can also be frozen but reheat best when thawed overnight first.

Reheating

To bring the leftovers back to life, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker fix, microwave on medium power in short bursts to prevent rubbery cheese. A final broil for one to two minutes can restore some of that lovely bubbly top.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just be sure to sauté and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from fresh spinach before mixing it into the filling to avoid watery manicotti shells.

Is it necessary to undercook the manicotti shells before filling?

Yes, slightly undercooking the shells makes them pliable enough to fill without cracking. They will finish cooking during the baking process, resulting in perfect tenderness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! This Cheesy Spinach Manicotti with Marinara Sauce Recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as your marinara sauce doesn’t contain meat. You can use any marinara sauce you prefer.

How spicy is the recipe with crushed red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of heat that balances the richness. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I substitute the cheese types in the filling?

While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create the perfect combination of creamy, melty, and savory flavors, you can experiment with other mild cheeses like fontina or provolone if you want a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Cheesy Spinach Manicotti with Marinara Sauce Recipe! It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion and brings everyone to the table with smiles. Rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a treasured family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a delightful culinary experience that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.