Homemade Spinach Manicotti

This is one of my favorite dinner's to make, EVER! I love this so much. It might seem like a lot of extra work to make but it really isn't too bad and definitely worth the final result.
The thing that sets this Manicotti apart from the rest is the homemade crespelles which are basically crepes. They are so easy to make and can be used in a lot of different ways from sweet to savory. I actually think making crepes in fun and it is a heck of a lot easier to fill these than those dang little manicotti shells. Check out the very end of the post for a good after dinner treat.


Light Crespelle Recipe   Ginas Skinny Recipes

1 cup flour

1 1/2 cups 1% milk (I used Fat Free)

2 large eggs whites
1 large egg
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp. salt
Cooking Spray

Put all ingredients in the blender and blend until thoroughly mixed. I kept it on for a few minutes. Heat your 6" non-stick frying pan on medium-low heat. I have a crepe pan that works perfectly for these. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup or so into the pan, slowly swirling the batter around the pan to cover evenly. Cook for about 30 seconds, flip and cook 10 seconds more. I just end up grabbing a corner with my fingers and fliping them by hand. Just be careful!!

Homemade Spinach Manicotti Gina's Skinny Recipes

16 oz part skim ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 large egg
10 oz package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1/4 cup Parmesan reggiano
salt and pepper
16 crespellas
32 oz marinara sauce

Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, egg, spinach, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

Fill each crespelle with 1/4 cup spinach filling and roll.

In a large baking dish pour a little sauce on the bottom of the dish. I had some cherry tomatoes in the fridge that I wanted to use up so I put those over the sauce. Place rolled manicotti seem side down into baking dish.

Top with more sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

I had a few leftover Crespelle's so I made Nutella crepes for the kids. I filled them with Nutella and topped them off with whipped cream and strawberries. This makes a great quick and easy dessert for after dinner.

This recipe is linked to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thrusday