Deconstructed Manicotti Skillet with Zucchini Noodles
Manicotti will always remind me of holidays at my grandparents’ home. My grandfather always served manicotti at Christmastime as one of the appetizers, which was crazy, because we had seven fishes ahead of us.
The filling is unbeatable and pillowy – ricotta cheese and chopped spinach wrapped in manicotti noodles, topped with marinara sauce and baked to ooey gooey goodness.
If you’re looking for a fun way to use zucchini noodles, a healthier take on manicotti, or just love cheese and zucchini, try this healthier, lighter version.
The Blade A noodles are big and cook perfectly in the oven to an al dente texture. If you want to add some meat to this, a ground turkey or beef would work great. Otherwise, enjoy it as is!
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION & RECIPE
Deconstructed Manicotti Skillet with Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes no salt added
- salt and pepper to taste
- 5 basil leaves chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 zucchinis Blade A
- 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
- For the filling:
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 7.5 oz of ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Place a large castiron or nonstick skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil. Add in the garlic, red pepper flakes and onions and cook for 2-3 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Add in the canned tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Stir and let cook for 10 minutes or until your sauce is reduced fully. Five minutes in, add the basil.
- While the sauce is cooking, mix together all of the ingredients for the "filling." Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Then, place a large skillet over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Once the skillet heats, add in your baby spinach and toss until wilted. Fold the spinach into the cheese mixture and set aside.
- When the sauce is done cooking, remove half of the sauce and set aside. Make sure that the sauce is spread evenly on the bottom of the skillet and then top with the zucchini noodles. Top with the remaining sauce.
- Next, make two pockets in the zucchini noodles on either side of the skillet and fill each with a dollop of the cheese "filling." Sprinkle over the skillet with the 2 tbsp of mozzarella. Season the top of the skillet with pepper.
- Cover the skillet with tin foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the noodles soften and the cheese is completely melted.
- Serve for two!
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