Spinach Cheese Manicotti

Gail Blue Eyes's Note:

Rich and heavenly.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 35 mins
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 medium onion , finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
• 4 ounces cream cheese , softened
• 6 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese , divided
• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• ¼-½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach , thawed and squeeze out all the moisture
• 8 manicotti , cooked and drained
• 1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (may use homemade sauce if you prefer)

Directions:

1. In a small skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil for 3 minutes; set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/2 c.
3. mozzarella, cream cheese, 4 tablespoons Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; beat until smooth.
4. Stir in the onion mixture and spinach.
5. Spoon into the manicotti shells.
6. Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into a greased 13x9 inch baking dish.
7. Arrange shells over sauce; top with the rest of sauce.
8. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
9. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Reviews

[Buster's friend]

Was short on eggs & had a knob of cream cheese so doubled the recipe & used 14 shells. Added about 1/4 t freshly grated nutmeg to the spinach mix. What a marvelous dish! Assembled & refrigerated overnight. Baked for 45 minutes starting a cold oven after letting sit on counter for an hour (glass pan). Turned out wonderfully! Will be keeping this one to make ahead when guests are coming! Served with a simple green tossed lettuce salad & Italian vinaigrette & crusty olive bread to sop up the sauce. Bellissimo! Thank you Gail Blue Eyes for a real keeper.

[Lizzybob]

Creamy & heavenly! I followed this pretty much to a "T" except used olive oil and I didn't cook my noodles first (it's easier to stuff them this way). I baked mine at 400 for 40 minutes (tightly covered)then added the rest of the cheeses. I had enough mixture for 14 shells. Thanks for the recipe Gail, I scored major points with my sweetie on this one.

[Galaxy Girl]

This is wonderful...real pleaser for the hubby. I served it with a homemade roasted red pepper/tomato/garlic sauce and it was fab. I do recommend doubling the recipe, though, because manicotti shells come in packages of 14, and boys are big eaters! Thanks!