Vegetarian Manicotti Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort to any dining table. This vegetarian manicotti recipe takes the traditional flavors and infuses them with fresh vegetables and creamy ricotta cheese, making it a perfect meal for those who want to enjoy a hearty pasta dish without meat.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is both satisfying and wholesome. The cheesy, savory filling wrapped in delicate pasta tubes, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Not only is it delicious, but this recipe also offers a wonderful way to sneak in extra veggies while enjoying a classic Italian comfort meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheese alternatives.

Ready to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy night in? Let’s dive into how to make this delightful vegetarian manicotti!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian manicotti recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy filling and tender pasta, smothered in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.

• Vegetable-packed: Loaded with spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini, it adds nutrition and texture.
• Comfort food: Rich ricotta and mozzarella make it indulgently creamy.
• Make ahead: Easy to prepare in advance and bake when ready.
• Customizable: Swap vegetables or cheese to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Vegetarian-friendly: A great alternative to meat-based pasta dishes, perfect for meatless Mondays.

Ingredients

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, grated or finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg (optional, for binding)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for sautéing vegetables
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish (approx. 9×13 inches)
• Spoon or piping bag for filling the shells
• Cheese grater
• Colander
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the manicotti shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and lay them flat on a baking sheet to cool slightly and prevent sticking.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add mushrooms and zucchini to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, sautéed vegetables, egg (if using), dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
6. Fill the shells: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and vegetable mixture. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pasta.
7. Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce.
8. Cover the shells with the remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella on top.
9. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish and serve: Let the manicotti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

“To prevent the manicotti shells from breaking when filling, handle them gently and use a piping bag if possible. Also, don’t overcook the pasta during boiling—it should be just al dente since it will cook more in the oven.”

• Make it vegan: Substitute ricotta with tofu ricotta or cashew cheese, and use vegan mozzarella alternatives. Skip the egg or use a flax egg as a binder.
• Add more veggies: Try adding finely chopped roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or kale for different flavors and textures.
• Use fresh pasta tubes: If you can find fresh manicotti shells, they require less boiling, making prep quicker.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a little heat.
• Try different sauces: Swap marinara for a creamy vegan béchamel sauce or a rich vegetable Alfredo sauce for a different twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian manicotti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers also complement the creamy pasta beautifully.

For a lighter option, serve with steamed green beans or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top to brighten the flavors just before serving!

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like exploring other delicious vegetarian dishes such as Best Italian Vegetarian Recipes for Delicious Meatless or try your hand at a sweet treat with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

Vegetarian manicotti is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the best of Italian cuisine to your table without the need for meat. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a cheesy, satisfying meal packed with wholesome vegetables and aromatic herbs.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress with its inviting layers of flavor and texture.

With a little preparation and the right ingredients, this manicotti recipe can easily become a staple in your home kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetable combinations or sauces to make it your own.

For more delightful vegetable dishes, check out our guide on Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals—a perfect companion to this Italian classic!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Manicotti”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious vegetarian twist on classic manicotti filled with ricotta and spinach. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT35M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 manicotti shells”, “2 cups ricotta cheese”, “1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese”, “1 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “2 cups fresh spinach, chopped”, “1 egg”, “2 cups marinara sauce”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon dried basil”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions; drain and cool.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fill each manicotti shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place filled manicotti in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle olive oil over the top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}