Spinach Ricotta Manicotti

A creamy cheese filling makes these stuffed pasta shells extra special.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 Cloves Garlic, Peeled & Minced
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 3 Cups Chopped Tomatoes
• 3 Tablespoons Chopped fresh Basil
• Salt & Pepper
• 3 Cups Fresh Ricotta Cheese
• 1 Cup Cooked Spinach, Cooked, Squeezed Dry & Chopped
• 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Salt & Pepper
• 10 Manicotti Shells
• 1/3 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese For Topping

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil...: In a heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil and cook the garlic until fragrant.
2. 2Add the tomatoes, stir, and season with salt...: Add the tomatoes, stir, and season with salt and pepper.
3. 3Cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
4. 4Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
5. 5While the sauce is cooking cook the manicotti...: While the sauce is cooking cook the manicotti shells in salted, boiling water following manufactures directions.
6. 6Drain the shells and drop into a bowl...: Drain the shells and drop into a bowl of cold water.
7. 7In a bowl, mix together the three cheeses...: In a bowl, mix together the three cheeses and spinach.
8. 8Season the ricotta mixture with salt and pepper.
9. 9Drain the shells and pat dry with a...: Drain the shells and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
10. 10Spoon a half cup of sauce into the...: Spoon a half cup of sauce into the bottom of a large baking pan and spread evenly.
11. 11Use either a pastry bag without a tip,...: Use either a pastry bag without a tip, or a ziplock bag with one end cut off and fill with the ricotta mixture.
12. 12Holding the shell, squeeze the filling into the...: Holding the shell, squeeze the filling into the shell.
13. 13Once filled, lay the shells into the pan...: Once filled, lay the shells into the pan side by side.
14. 14Spoon the sauce evenly over the shells, then...: Spoon the sauce evenly over the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
15. 15Bake the pasta covered for 20 minutes, then...: Bake the pasta covered for 20 minutes, then remove the cover and cook for another 20 minutes.
16. 16Serve immediately.