Are you ready to indulge in a delicious, guilt-free twist on a classic Italian dish? Our Low Carb Spinach Manicotti is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds! With creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a rich marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal without the carbs. Whether you're following a low-carb diet or simply want to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive in and discover the secret to making this mouthwatering manicotti that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture and stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Using a low-carb alternative to traditional manicotti noodles, such as zucchini boats or portobello mushroom caps, prepare them according to your preference.
- Stuff each low-carb noodle with the ricotta and spinach mixture, leaving a small border at the top.
- Place the stuffed noodles in the baking dish, seam-side down.
- Spoon the marinara sauce over the noodles, making sure they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese mixture evenly over the top of the noodles.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Choose the Right Noodles: For a low-carb alternative, consider using zucchini boats, portobello mushroom caps, or even eggplant slices instead of traditional manicotti noodles. This not only cuts down on carbs but also adds unique flavors!
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the ricotta and spinach filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff the noodles.
- Layering is Key: Make sure to spread a generous layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking and adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the Italian essence.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Allow the manicotti to bake covered for the first 30 minutes to ensure the filling heats through. Removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes will help achieve that golden, bubbly cheese topping.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful Low Carb Spinach Manicotti recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
