Craving a delicious Italian classic that won't derail your health goals? Get ready to fall in love with Ryan's Low Fat Manicotti - the ultimate recipe that proves healthy eating can be absolutely mouthwatering! This ingenious twist on traditional manicotti transforms a typically heavy dish into a light, nutritious meal that will satisfy your pasta cravings without the extra calories. Imagine tender pasta shells stuffed with creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach, topped with just the right amount of melted cheese - all while keeping things lean and delectable!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 manicotti shells
- 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Boil the manicotti shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine low-fat ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well integrated.
- Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Ensure the shells are evenly filled.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the manicotti shells.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set.
Tips
- • For the creamiest ricotta filling, drain excess moisture from the spinach before mixing to prevent a watery texture. • Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner cut off for mess-free and even manicotti stuffing. • Don't overcook the pasta shells - aim for al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture. • Let the dish rest for exactly 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier. • If you're meal prepping, this dish freezes beautifully - just wrap tightly before freezing and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
