Baked Manicotti with Spinach

• Vegetarian

• Produce

  • 1 Basil, fresh
  • 2 Garlic cloves
  • 1 (10-oz package Spinach, frozen
  • 1 White onion, medium

• Refrigerated

  • 1 Egg, large

• Condiments

  • 1 (24-oz jar Marinara sauce

• Pasta & Grains

  • 8 Manicotti pasta shells

• Baking & Spices

  • 1 tsp Italian seasonings
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 1 tbsp Olive oil

• Dairy

  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 (15-oz container Ricotta cheese

Found on spicedblog.com

Description

Ingredients

• 8 manicotti pasta shells
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese (~1¾ cups)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasonings
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce
• Fresh basil, chopped {Optional}

Directions

• Drain the ricotta for several hours before making this recipe. (Tip: Just put a piece of cheesecloth in a colander. Put the ricotta on top and let it drain for a few hours.)
• Cook manicotti according to package instructions. Once cooked, rinse with cold water and set aside on a sheet pan to drain.
• Meanwhile, place the diced onions and olive oil in a large saute pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes, or until onions begin to turn soft. Add garlic and cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring often.
• Squeeze as much liquid out of the spinach as possible. Chop spinach finely.
• Transfer onions and garlic into a large bowl. Add egg, ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasonings, salt, pepper and spinach to the bowl. Stir until well mixed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across bottom of 9”x13” baking dish.
• Using a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip (or a sandwich bag with one corner snipped off), fill the cooked manicotti with this mixture. Place filled manicotti in baking dish.
• Pour remaining marinara sauce over manicotti.
• Cover and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F.
• Uncover and sprinkle remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake (uncovered) for 5-10 more minutes, or until cheese has fully melted.
• {Optional} Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil before serving.