Spinach and Cheese Manicotti

Oh, how I love Italian food! I especially love those dishes like this one, made with delicious cheeses! I use a slightly sweet marinara sauce, but use whatever recipe you like. Delizioso!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 10  ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 12  manicotti  noodles
• 1 1⁄2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1  cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1  cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated and divided
• 2  large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2  garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
•  fresh ground pepper
• 3  cups  of your favorite  marinara sauce, divided
•  fresh parsley (to garnish)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, and season generously with salt. Cook according to package directions. Drain and squeeze the excess water from the spinach.
2. Cook the pasta shells until al dente, tender but still slightly firm. Drain and pat dry.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
4. Cover the bottom of a 9- x 13-inch ovenproof baking dish with 1 cup of the marinara sauce.
5. In a medium mixing bowl, evenly combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and 1/3 cup of the Parmesan, the eggs, garlic and the spinach. Season with the 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spoon the cheese mixture into the manicotti shell and line them up in the baking dish.
7. Cover with the remaining sauce. Scatter the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.