Ingredients

10 manicotti noodles
2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
2 cups pasta sauce
10 ounces frozen spinach , thawed drained
1 cup low fat cottage cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg white
1 garlic clove
Manicotti is a classic Italian pasta dish consisting of large, tube-shaped noodles filled with ricotta cheese and served with tomato sauce. This skinny version of manicotti is a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe, swapping out ricotta cheese for low-fat cottage cheese and adding spinach for a boost of nutrients. It is a great option for those who love Italian food but want to watch their waistline. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and makes for a satisfying and delicious dinner.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2.In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the manicotti according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
3.In a medium bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, egg white, garlic, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and spinach.
4.Coat the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) baking dish with 1 cup pasta sauce. Using a small spoon, fill the manicotti with the cheese and spinach mixture and place the filled manicotti in the dish.
5.Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the manicotti. Cover the dish with foil.
6.Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

PROS

This healthy version of manicotti is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a great option for those who love pasta but want to watch their weight.
The spinach and cottage cheese add a boost of calcium and vitamins to the dish.

CONS

This recipe uses low-fat cottage cheese, which has a higher sodium content than regular cottage cheese.
Some people may find the texture of the low-fat cheese less appealing than regular cheese.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and fiber. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which are both important for building and maintaining strong bones and muscles. Additionally, using a lower-fat cheese option in this recipe reduces the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.