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Homemade Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe (No Boil Noodles) photo
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Easy Spinach Manicotti Recipe (No Boil Noodles)

This Easy Spinach Manicotti is a total game-changer! Creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and rich tomato sauce make it a perfect dinner option!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian spice mix
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

For the Filling:

  • 16 no-boil oven-ready lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups ricotta cheese low-fat is fine
  • 4 cups pre-packaged Italian blend cheeses shredded
  • 2.5 cups mozzarella shredded
  • 1.5 cups provolone shredded
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 cups baby spinach finely chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian spice mix, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Make the Filling:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded cheese blend, the beaten egg, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Manicotti:

  • Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Take a no-boil lasagna noodle and fill it with the ricotta mixture. Place the filled noodle seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
  • Once all the manicotti are in the dish, pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the sauce.

Bake:

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Aluminum Foil

Notes

  • For a creamier filling, add a bit of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
  • Make sure to cover the dish with foil while baking to retain moisture.
  • Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
  • If you have leftovers, they make a delicious lunch the next day!