Name: Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz. manicotti pasta tubes; 1.25 lbs. Italian sausage; 1 onion, finely diced; 2 cups chopped fresh spinach; 8 oz. mozzarella, shredded (divided); 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided); 1 egg, slightly beaten; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 24-oz jar spaghetti sauce

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A Warm Bowl of Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti

Ah, the comforting embrace of baked pasta! There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a dish of Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti, bubbling happily away in the oven. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you can’t help but be whisked away to childhood dinners, where laughter mixed with the rich scent of marinara and savory sausage. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing feast. It brings together tender, cheesy pasta tubes stuffed with a zesty filling that’s sure to please both your belly and your soul. This is definitely one you’ll want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Weeknight Dinner: Quick to prepare and cook, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings.
Comforting and Cozy: Each bite offers a warm blend of flavors and textures that feels like a hug.
Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for family gatherings or potlucks, everyone will leave raving about your delicious meal.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to match your family’s tastes or dietary preferences!
Make-Ahead Goodness: Prepare it in advance for a stress-free dinner on busy nights.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for your Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti:

8 oz. manicotti pasta tubes
1.25 lbs. Italian sausage
1 onion, finely diced
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
8 oz. mozzarella, shredded (divided)
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided)
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 24-oz jar spaghetti sauce

How to Make Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti

Let’s make it together! Follow these simple, cozy steps:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray or rub it down with olive oil.
Cook the manicotti in liberally salted water according to the manufacturer’s instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
While the pasta cooks, remove casings from the Italian sausage if necessary, then cook and crumble the sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the sausage is cooked through and browned.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, continuing to cook for a few minutes until it wilts. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan, the beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.
Spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Once the manicotti has cooled, stuff each tube generously with the meat and spinach mixture. If you have leftover filling, tuck it between the manicotti in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed manicotti. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top. Continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color!

Variations & Creative Twists

Spinach and Ricotta Blend: For a creamier filling, mix in some ricotta cheese along with the spinach and sausage.
Mushroom Medley: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
Zesty Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist that adds warmth.
Different Cheeses: Try blending in some creamy goat cheese or provolone for a new flavor profile.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage or even a meat-free option like lentils for a vegetarian version.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 24g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 850mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance, store in the refrigerator, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetables.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage!

How long does it last?
When properly stored, it will last in the fridge for about 4 days, or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Wrapping It Up

This Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm embrace at the end of the day. Each bite takes you back to cherished moments shared around the dinner table, filled with laughter and love. It’s a recipe that brings everyone together, and I can’t recommend it enough! Save this Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti to your cozy recipe board so it’s ready when you want a comforting treat! Enjoy!