A Cindy Pascale OriginalIf you are looking for a lighter meal this is a perfect dish to serve your family. The delicious aroma from the vegetables cooking will gather your family without having to call anyone when dinner is ready!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion cut into small pieces
- 1 container of mushrooms cleaned, and cut into small pieces
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, cut into small pieces
- 1 bag spinach cut into small pieces
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 package manicotti
- 1 jar prepared marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°. Spray cooking spray on the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 baking dish.Heat olive oil to large skillet on medium high heat. Add onion. While onion is cooking, chop mushrooms and add to skillet.Add garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt and basil. When onions and mushrooms are well done (about 10 minutes after the mushrooms are added to the pan depending on how small the pieces are cut), add the spinach. Take the skillet off the heat when the spinach is completely cooked and wilted (about 2 minutes).While the vegetables are cooking, cook the manicotti about half of the time that the package directs. Drain and allow to cool.In large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, all but 1/3 cup of mozzarella cheese. Pour in the mushroom and spinach mixture. Mix well.Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Gently and using a small spoon, fill the manicotti and place into the prepared baking dish.When all the manicotti are filled and, in the pan, spread the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti and sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese over the sauce.Bake for 30 – 40 minutes. Manicotti are done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.Tips: Cut the vegetables into small pieces to make it easier to fill the manicotti. Large vegetable pieces will lead to tears in the pasta. No worries if the manicotti tears as it will still taste fantastic. Additionally, cook the manicotti about half of the time the manufacturer recommends so the pasta will be a little stiffer and easier to fill. The pasta will continue to cook and soften while baking.HAPPY EATING!!
