Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti
When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient.
When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient.
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells
- 1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 carton (15 ounces) whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese divided
- 3 jars (24 ounces each) spaghetti sauce
- Carbohydrate 0.455448070008467 g
- Cholesterol 36.3857142857143 mg
- Fat 3.05904670558028 g
- Fiber 0.036156112244719 g
- Protein 4.17103056316501 g
- Saturated Fat 1.71147113255398 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (50g)
- Sodium 156.974558150917 mg
- Sugar 0.419291957763748 g
- Trans Fat 0.169445288917659 g
- Calories 46 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and seasonings.
- In a large bowl, mix spaghetti sauce and water; spread 1 cup into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
- Fill uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture; arrange over sauce.
- Pour remaining spaghetti sauce mixture over top.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
- Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bake, uncovered, 40-50 minutes or until manicotti is tender.
- Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165 degrees.
Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti: A Busy Woman's Best Friend
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, easy, and delicious meals is a constant challenge, and let me tell you, this Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti has become a lifesaver. It's the perfect dish for those nights when I don't want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want to serve something impressive and flavorful to my family. The beauty of this recipe lies in its name – "Make-Ahead." The majority of the work can be done the night before, leaving me with minimal prep time on the actual day of serving. I can even freeze the unbaked casserole for those even busier weeks!
This recipe is far from just convenient; it's incredibly delicious. The creamy ricotta filling, bursting with fresh spinach and fragrant herbs, is perfectly complemented by the rich tomato sauce. The tender manicotti shells soak up all the flavors, creating a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. I've tweaked the recipe over the years to make it even more efficient for my busy schedule, and trust me, every minute of prep is well worth the incredible taste. My family raves about it; it's quickly become a family favorite.
The best part? This dish is incredibly versatile. I often adjust the recipe based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I'll add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick, other times I'll swap the mozzarella for a different cheese, like provolone or even a blend. The possibilities are endless! But regardless of what variations I choose, the outcome is always fantastic. This recipe isn't just about speed and convenience; it's about creating a delicious, memorable meal that everyone can enjoy without compromising family time.
I often find myself making a double batch, enjoying one for dinner and freezing the second for a future weeknight. This way, I always have a delicious, homemade meal on hand, ready to go at a moment's notice. This has been a game-changer for my busy schedule, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and easy yet impressive meal to add to their repertoire.
Beyond the family dinner table, this Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti has also been a star at various gatherings. I've brought it to potlucks, parties, and even holiday celebrations, and it's always a hit. It travels well, reheats beautifully, and always leaves everyone wanting more. It's a crowd-pleaser, no doubt, and a fantastic option for any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The fact that it's make-ahead allows me to truly enjoy my time with the people I love, rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
So, if you're a busy individual, a working mom juggling a million things, or just someone who appreciates a delicious, easy meal, look no further. This Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti is the perfect solution. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly understand why it's become such a staple in our home. You'll thank me later!
