Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Italian masterpiece that combines the richness of three cheeses, the heartiness of Italian sausage, and the vibrant freshness of spinach. This Spinach and Three Cheese Manicotti isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine perfectly stuffed pasta shells oozing with creamy, cheesy goodness, topped with a luxurious tomato sauce that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Add chopped spinach to the sausage and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and releases its moisture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix in the cooled sausage and spinach mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate saucepan, combine marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to create a creamy tomato sauce. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the cheese and sausage mixture using a spoon or piping bag, ensuring they are evenly filled.
- Spread a thin layer of the creamy tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining creamy tomato sauce over the manicotti, ensuring all shells are covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Make sure to cool the sausage and spinach mixture before mixing with cheese to prevent a watery filling.
- Use a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with the corner cut off for easier and neater manicotti stuffing.
- Don't overstuff the shells to prevent them from splitting during baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or dried Italian herbs to your cheese mixture.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- If you prefer a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and provide a more robust flavor than pre-packaged cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 125mg
