Spinach Cheese Manicotti

3 Tablespoons oil
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh garlic
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, cooked according to package directions, drained well
8 manicotti, cooked and drained
6 cups pasta sauce
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
mozzarella cheese, for topping

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet, saute onion in oil for about 4 minutes or until softened. Add garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

3. In a mixing bowl combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, 6 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

4. Mix well until smooth and thoroughly combined.

5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Stir in onion mixture and spinach; mix well to combine.

7. Spoon into cooked and cooled manicotti shells.

8. Pour half of the pasta sauce into the prepared baking dish.

9. Arrange shells over sauce. Top with the remaining sauce, spread evenly.

10. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the sauce.

11. Cover and bake for 25 minutes.

12. Uncover and top with mozzarella cheese.

13. Bake 5 mins longer, or until cheese is melted.

14. Let stand 10 mins before serving.
Family Rating*****
Reheat Rating*****


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