How to Make Manicotti with Eggplant Sauce - A Step-by-Step Guide

Manicotti with Eggplant Sauce is a delicious and satisfying Italian dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines two classic Italian flavors – creamy ricotta cheese and rich eggplant sauce – to create a mouthwatering meal that will leave you craving more.

Manicotti is a pasta dish that consists of large tubes of pasta filled with a creamy mixture of cheese, and then baked in a savory sauce. In this recipe, the traditional ricotta cheese filling is enhanced by the add...

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Ingredients

  • 1 small eggplant, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
  • 1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup egg substitute
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 6 manicotti shells, cooked, rinsed and drained

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • In a large skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, cook and stir the eggplant, onion, garlic, tarragon and thyme until vegetables are tender. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, egg substitute, Parmesan and parsley; mix well. Stuff into manicotti shells. Place in an 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon eggplant sauce over manicotti; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.