Three Cheese Manicotti Recipe (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
10 manicotti shells
→ Cheese Filling
02 -
16 ounces ricotta cheese
03 -
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, separated
04 -
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
05 -
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
06 -
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
07 -
1 large egg
→ Sauce
08 -
16 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, cook the manicotti shells following the package instructions until they're al dente. Drain them and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.
02 -
Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese with 1 cup of the mozzarella, all the parmesan, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, and the egg. Mix everything together until it's well blended and creamy.
03 -
Now comes the fun part - stuffing those shells! The easiest way is to use a piping bag or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the cheese mixture into each manicotti shell until they're nicely filled.
04 -
Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom. Arrange your filled manicotti in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!
02 -
You can assemble this ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
03 -
If you prefer, swap the spinach for other veggies like sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.