Keto Baked Spinach Manicotti

Keto Baked Spinach Manicotti

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Nutrition Values (per serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 7g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 25g

Ingredients:

For the Manicotti:

• 12 manicotti pasta shells (substitute with zucchini strips for a lower-carb option)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 ½ cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups sugar-free marinara sauce
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Manicotti Pasta (Optional): If you’re using traditional manicotti pasta, cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside. For a keto version, skip this step.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to include it all.
4. Fill the Manicotti (or Zucchini): If you’re using pasta, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the spinach and cheese mixture. If you’re going keto, roll up the filling in zucchini strips to create “zucchini manicotti.”
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the sugar-free marinara sauce over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the flavours to mingle for 5-7 minutes while simmering.
6. Assemble: Spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti (or zucchini rolls) on top. Over the manicotti, pour the remaining sauce.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Broil (Optional): If you’d like a golden-brown crust, remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Add some fresh basil or parsley as a garnish if you like.

Enjoy your Keto Baked Spinach Manicotti! This low-carb twist on a classic Italian dish is a delicious and satisfying option for those following a keto diet.

Chef’s Tip: You can customize this dish by adding cooked ground meat like sausage or ground beef to the filling for extra protein and flavor. Just brown the meat in a skillet before mixing it with the spinach and cheese.