Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 2-3 minutes. Add the spinach, cooking until wilted (about 3 minutes for fresh spinach). Season with salt, then transfer to a colander to drain and cool slightly. Press out any excess liquid and chop finely. The extra step of cooking the spinach first adds a lot of flavor to this dish- I promise it’s worth it!

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, eggs, ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of parmigiano, fresh basil, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each manicotti shell with the spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag, then place them in the dish.

Step 5

Cover the filled shells with the remaining sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmigiano. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 6

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Enjoy this classic Italian comfort dish with a side of crusty bread!