Cajun Spinach Stuffed Manicotti

Two spinach manicotti on a white plate ready to serve

Cajun Spinach Stuffed Manicotti

This Cajun Spinach Stuffed Manicotti is made with creamy ricotta, leafy spinach, cajun spice, smooth cream, and salty parmesan. Delicious!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun/Creole, Italian, Southern

Keyword baked pasta, manicotti, pasta, spinach

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Cooling Time 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings servings

Calories 635kcal

Author Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes

Ingredients

6 oz manicotti shells
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
1 tbsp cajun seasoning divided
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
pinch of red pepper flakes
pinch of ground nutmeg
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup shedded mozzarella cheese
parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
Cook the manicotti according to the instructions on the box and set aside separately to bring back to room temperature.
Add olive oil to a large pan over medium high heat. Once melted, add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds making sure not to overcook and cause burning.
Add heavy cream, ½ cup of parmesan cheese, ½ tablespoon of cajun seasoning, Italian Seasoning, pinch of red pepper flakes, and pinch of ground nutmeg and stir to mix together. Bring cream sauce to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken. Once thickened, remove from heat and pour into a large baking pan and set aside.
Next in a separate medium sized bowl, add ricotta cheese, spinach, onion, remaining parmesan and remaining cajun seasoning and stir together to combine well.
Stuff room temperature manicotti with spinach mixture and add to the bottom of the sauced baking pan.
Cover with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted and is bubbling. Remove from the oven. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

To store leftovers, transfer the manicotti to an airtight container or cover the original baking dish with plastic wrap. The leftovers will keep for 3-5 days refrigerated.

For easy reheating, place your desired portion on a microwave-safe dish or plate and microwave at 30 second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the leftovers in the original baking dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

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