Spinach Cheese Manicotti
This Spinach Cheese Manicotti is a comforting, family-friendly Italian dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknights!
Servings 6
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pkg manicotti noodles
Filling
- 8 oz cottage cheese
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
- 10 oz frozen spinach can use fresh spinach
Sauce
- 48 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Herbes de Provence
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Topping
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the manicotti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese and spinach. Mix until evenly combined.If using frozen spinach, make sure it is thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
- Carefully spoon or pipe the cheese and spinach mixture into each cooked manicotti shell.
- In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, Herbes de Provence, basil and diced garlic. Mix well to create a simple, flavorful tomato sauce.
- Spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom of a 12-inch Dutch oven or 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta and sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. Let the manicotti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
