Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/10 checked
6
servings
6 unit

manicotti shells

cooked, rinsed and drained

0.5 package

spinach

chopped, frozen, thawed and squeezed

0.5 cup

white mushrooms

0.5 cup

shiitake mushrooms

0.5 cup

onions

0.5 cup

sweet red bell peppers

sautéed in red wine

1 cup

cottage cheese

fat-free

4 cloves

garlic

sautéed with other ingredients

1 tsp

italian herbs

to taste

0.5 cup

parmesan cheese

grated fat-free

Step 1
~5 min

Prepare the manicotti shells according to package directions, then rinse and drain.

Step 2
~5 min

Thaw the frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water, and chop.

Step 3
~5 min

Chop the white mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and onions.

Step 4
~5 min

Sauté the red bell peppers in red wine until softened.

Step 5
~5 min

Sauté garlic with the mushrooms, onions, and red bell peppers until fragrant and tender.

Step 6
~5 min

In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach, sautéed mushroom mixture, fat-free cottage cheese, Italian herbs, and grated fat-free Parmesan cheese.

Step 7
~5 min

Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 8
~5 min

Carefully stuff the manicotti shells with the prepared mixture.

Step 9
~5 min

Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 10
~5 min

Pour spaghetti sauce over the noodles, ensuring they are well covered.

Step 11
~5 min

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbly.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For extra flavor, add a layer of béchamel sauce under the spaghetti sauce.

Use a piping bag to fill the manicotti shells more easily.

Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a golden-brown crust.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be assembled ahead of time and baked later.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread.

Pair with a simple green salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic Bread
Caesar Salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

A classic Italian-American dish often served during family gatherings and holidays.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving
Easter

Occasion Tags

Family Dinner
Holiday Meal
Potluck

Popularity Score

75/100

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