Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti Recipe

Received on line from TOH It's prepared the night before, plus the manicotti is stuffed uncooked, making it even more convenient. Making it a great company dinner

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 7
• Yields: 1 casserole

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) carton whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 1⁄2 cups  shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 3⁄4 cup  shredded parmesan cheese, divided
• 1  large egg, lightly beaten
• 2  teaspoons  minced fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 (24 ounce) jars  spaghetti sauce
• 1  cup water
• 1 (8 ounce) package  manicotti

Directions

1. n a large bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and seasonings. In a large bowl, mix spaghetti sauce and water; spread 1 cup into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
2. Fill uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture; arrange over sauce. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce mixture over top. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
3. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, uncovered, 40-50 minutes or until manicotti is tender.
4. Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.