Stuffed Manicotti Marinara

Pierre Dance's Note:

When I got this one I didn't write the name of the source. What else is new? Be that as it may, it's quick easy and really good. The cooking time does not include preparing the sauce.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 cups frozen spinach , washed, drained and finely chopped
• 1 ¼ cups ricotta cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 8 manicotti , cooked and drained
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese , grated
• marinara sauce
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 (1 ¼ ounce) package instant beef bouillon , and seasoning mix
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon basil
• ½ teaspoon oregano , crushed

Directions:

1. Prepare the sauce, combine all ingredients except the oregano in a thick bottomed sauce pan.
2. Simmer uncovered stirring occasionally until it's reduced by half.
3. Add the oregano and simmer another 5 minutes.
4. This gives you 1 1/2 cups of sauce (the unused sauce freezes well).
5. While the sauce is simmering, mix the spinach, Ricotta, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff the manicotti and place them by pairs in individual baking dishes.
7. Drizzle 2 tbsp or so of Sauce over each noodle.
8. Top each serving with an ounce of Mozzarella.
9. Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.