Cheese Manicotti With Spinach

This a very simplified version of a great Italian dish. It can be made in advance and refrigerated until baking. I normally never use jarred sauces because I have the time to make sauce from scratch but to speed this recipe up, use sauce from a jar. Just make it a top notch brand.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8  manicotti, uncooked
• 2  cups ricotta cheese
• 3  ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1  egg, slightly beaten
• 2  green onions, sliced
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2  cups  marinara sauce
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
•  parsley sprig

Directions

1. Cook manicotti shells in boiling, salted water until barely tender (package directions). Rinse with cold water. Drain.
2. Combine cheeses, parsley, egg, onion and salt; mixing well.
3. Fill shells with cheese mixture.
4. Arrange in lightly oiled baking dish.
5. Cover with marinara sauce.
6. Sprinkle with additional 1/4 cup Parmesan.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, cook spinach according to package directions. DRAIN WELL.
9. Spoon down center of baked manicotti just before serving.
10. Garnish with parsley.