Manicotti Italian Casserole is a classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. This hearty casserole combines tender manicotti pasta filled with a savory ricotta and spinach mixture, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for feeding a hungry family or for a cozy night in.
Ingredients for Manicotti Italian Casserole
- 1 box manicotti pasta
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Manicotti Italian Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the manicotti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chopped spinach to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture and place it in the baking dish.
- Once all the manicotti are filled and arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, covering the shells completely.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients
- Manicotti Pasta: Manicotti is a type of pasta that resembles large, ridged tubes. It’s perfect for stuffing and baking in casseroles like this one.
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is a creamy Italian cheese made from whey. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a smooth texture, making it ideal for filling pasta dishes.
- Spinach: Spinach adds a nutritious boost to this casserole. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium.
- Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. It adds a rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is a mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully. It adds a gooey, cheesy topping to the casserole.
This Manicotti Italian Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
