Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. The tender pasta shells are filled to the brim with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture, then baked in a bed of savory marinara until bubbling and golden. It’s a classic Italian-inspired dish that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a reliable favorite. It delivers both on taste and texture, with a balance of creamy filling, hearty pasta, and bright tomato sauce. Even better, it’s a perfect make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully, making it as practical as it is delicious.

---

What Kind of Manicotti Should I Use?

You’ll want to use traditional manicotti pasta tubes for this recipe, which are firm and wide enough to hold the generous filling. Look for dry manicotti shells in the pasta aisle—they hold their shape best after boiling and baking. If you can’t find manicotti, large pasta shells or even lasagna noodles rolled up like cannelloni can work in a pinch.

---

Ingredients for the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti

Ricotta Cheese – This is the creamy base of the filling, adding richness and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with spinach and herbs.

Frozen Spinach – Convenient and easy to work with, frozen spinach is packed with nutrients and blends smoothly into the ricotta for a hearty filling.

Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the top and inside the filling for that stringy, gooey goodness we all crave.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty note to the filling and topping that enhances all the other cheesy elements.

Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it holds together nicely inside the manicotti tubes.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth to the filling, bringing it to life with flavor.

Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano and basil infuses the cheese mixture with a classic Italian flair.

Salt & Pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Marinara Sauce – Choose your favorite jarred or homemade marinara to provide the saucy base that keeps everything moist and flavorful during baking.

Manicotti Pasta Shells – The sturdy vessel that holds all that cheesy, spinach-packed filling in place.

---

How To Make the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti

Step 1: Cook the Manicotti Shells

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the manicotti shells until just al dente, typically about 6–7 minutes. They should be firm enough to handle without tearing. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, then lay them on a baking sheet to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, thawed and well-drained spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Fill the Manicotti

Spoon the filling into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the tip cut off. Gently pipe the ricotta-spinach mixture into each manicotti shell, filling from both ends to ensure even distribution.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the filled manicotti tubes on top of the sauce in a single layer. Cover with the remaining marinara sauce, making sure every pasta tube is well coated.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the manicotti rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese and filling to set slightly for easier plating.

---

Serving and Storing Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti is best served hot and fresh out of the oven, with that melty cheese and rich marinara at its peak. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy finish. Pair it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete, comforting meal.

For storing, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps maintain that gooey, oven-baked texture.

This dish also freezes well! Assemble it in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t find manicotti pasta?

No worries! Large pasta shells or even cooked lasagna noodles rolled around the filling can substitute nicely.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the filling.

How do I keep the manicotti from tearing?

Don’t overcook the shells and handle them gently. Using a piping bag for filling helps reduce pressure and keeps them intact.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s a great prep-ahead meal.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free manicotti shells or large gluten-free pasta shells available at most specialty grocery stores.

What sides go well with manicotti?

Think simple: garlic knots, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of sautéed zucchini make delicious pairings.

---

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving this Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti, there are even more pasta creations you’ll enjoy next:

• Try the creamy twist in Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Cozy up with the hearty layers of Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls
• Get bold flavor in a flash with One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner
• Craving something spicy? The One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta brings sweet heat to your dinner table.
• And don’t miss the rich, silky sauce in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Each recipe has its own personality, but they all bring comfort and craveable flavor.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s just a click away when you’re craving cozy Italian vibes.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the cheese? Add extra herbs? Maybe used fresh spinach from the garden?

I love seeing how you make these dishes your own. If you need more inspiration, follow along on Pinterest for daily new dishes: Life with Nina on Pinterest

---

Print