Meaty Spinach Manicotti

Submitted by ratherbeswimmin

• Ready In: 1hr 50mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 14-16

ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages manicotti
• 1⁄4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1⁄2 cups milk
• 3⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 lb bulk Italian sausage
• 4 cups diced cooked chicken or 4 cups turkey
• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 (26 1/2 ounce) cans spaghetti sauce
• 1⁄4 cup minced fresh parsley

directions

1. Cook manicotti according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan.
3. Stir in the flour until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk.
5. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted; set aside.
7. In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
8. Add chicken, spinach, eggs, mozzarella cheese and 3/4 cup white sauce.
9. Stuff into manicotti shells.
10. Spread 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce in each of two ungreased 13x9 inch baking dishes.
11. Top with manicotti.
12. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the top.
13. Reheat the remaining white sauce, stirring constantly.
14. Pour over spaghetti sauce.
15. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.
16. Sprinkle with parsley.

Reviews

[Laura O.]

I really liked the idea of the bechamel parmesan sauce on top instead of the usual layer of mozzarella cheese, which I believe is the more traditional Italian way to go. The filling is also different in that it was a chicken and sausage combo. I thought the filling needed a little more flavor. This recipe has no spices, no salt and pepper, no onions - I believe the parmesan cheese and spaghetti sauce and sausage are supposed to do that.