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Tender manicotti noodles stuffed with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses and traditional pesto topped with a red spaghetti sauce is this Easy Baked Manicotti recipe!

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 manicotti noodles
  • 1 egg slightly beaten
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup traditional pesto
  • 2 cups traditional spaghetti sauce We like prego.

INSTRUCTIONS 

  • In a large stockpot, boil and prepare the manicotti noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse them with cold water.
  • While the noodles are boiling, mix egg, pesto, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese together in a medium bowl. Spoon the mixture into a quart-size resealable bag(OR piping bag). Using a scissors, cut a corner off making a small hole.
  • Once the noodles are drained and rinsed, fill each shell one at a time with the cheese mixture and place them in a 9×13 baking dish greased with cooking spray. Generously cover the noodles in the dish with the spaghetti sauce.
  • Bake the cheese and pesto manicotti noodles at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes until the dish is heated thru, hot and bubbly. Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or more grated parmesan and some fresh parsley. Serve easy baked manicotti with garlic bread or breadsticks and a fresh salad or hot vegetable.

Certainly! Here’s a revised version of the Easy Baked Manicotti recipe tailored for Weight Watchers, including the Points and nutritional information.

Weight Watchers Easy Baked Manicotti

This Easy Baked Manicotti recipe features tender manicotti noodles stuffed with a blend of cheeses and pesto, topped with classic spaghetti sauce. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s friendly to your Weight Watchers goals. Below you’ll find the updated recipe with Points and nutritional information to help you stay on track.

Ingredients:

  • 12 Manicotti Noodles: Use whole wheat or lower-calorie options if available for fewer SmartPoints.
  • 1 Egg, slightly beaten: Adds richness to the cheese filling.
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese: Use part-skim ricotta for fewer SmartPoints.
  • 8 ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for part-skim mozzarella to reduce points.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor. Choose reduced-fat Parmesan if preferred.
  • 1/4 cup Traditional Pesto: Adds a burst of flavor. Look for a lower-oil version to reduce points.
  • 2 cups Traditional Spaghetti Sauce: Use a low-sugar or reduced-sodium version for fewer SmartPoints. Brands like Prego or similar are suitable.

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Manicotti Noodles: Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the beaten egg, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and pesto. Mix until well blended. Transfer the cheese mixture to a quart-size resealable bag or a piping bag. Cut a small corner off the bag to create a piping opening.
  3. Stuff the Noodles: Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed noodles in a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
  4. Top with Sauce: Generously cover the stuffed manicotti with the spaghetti sauce, spreading it evenly over the noodles.
  5. Bake the Manicotti: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the manicotti for 30-40 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or more grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley before serving.
  6. Serve: Enjoy your manicotti with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks and a fresh salad or hot vegetable for a complete meal.

Weight Watchers SmartPoints:

For the entire dish:

  • Manicotti Noodles (12): Approximately 14 SmartPoints (based on typical pasta SmartPoints values)
  • 1 Egg: 2 SmartPoints
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese (part-skim): Approximately 12 SmartPoints
  • 8 ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (part-skim): Approximately 8 SmartPoints
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (reduced-fat): Approximately 4 SmartPoints
  • 1/4 cup Traditional Pesto: Approximately 4 SmartPoints (varies based on brand)
  • 2 cups Traditional Spaghetti Sauce (low-sugar): Approximately 4 SmartPoints

Total SmartPoints for the entire dish: Approximately 48 SmartPoints

Per Serving (assuming 8 servings): Approximately 6 SmartPoints per serving

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, assuming 8 servings):

  • Calories: Approximately 310
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Protein: 15g

Tips for Success:

  • Lower SmartPoints Options: To reduce SmartPoints, use lower-fat or fat-free versions of cheese and a reduced-calorie pesto. Whole wheat or high-fiber manicotti can also cut down on points.
  • Flavor Boosters: Add extra herbs and spices to the cheese mixture or sauce for additional flavor without adding points.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy this hearty and delicious Easy Baked Manicotti while staying within your Weight Watchers goals. It’s a great option for meal prepping or a comforting family dinner!