Kittencals Spinach Four Cheese Manicotti Vegetarian Recipes

KITTENCAL'S SPINACH & FOUR-CHEESE MANICOTTI (VEGETARIAN)

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
• In a skillet, saute onion (if using) in oil for about 4 minutes or until softened (adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes).
• In a mixing bowl combine the ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cup mozza cheese, cream cheese, 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning; beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and well combined.
• Season with white salt or seasoned salt and black pepper to taste.
• Stir in onion mixture and spinach; mix well to combine.
• Spoon into cooked and cooled manicotti shells.
• Pour half of the pasta sauce into the prepared baking dish.
• Arrange shells over sauce (at this point you may cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or continue with the recipe as follows).
• Top with the remaining sauce, use a spoon to spread the sauce over the shells (the sauce does not have to cover the shells completely).
• Sprinkle about 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (or to taste) over the sauce.
• Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
• Uncover and top with mozzeralla cheese (any amount desired).
• Bake 5 mins longer, or until cheese is melted.
• Let stand 10 mins before serving.
• Note; If desired the spinach can be omitted completely.

FOUR CHEESE MANICOTTI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; set aside.
• Coat a small nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat until hot.
• Add onion and garlic: saute 3 minutes.
• Remove from heat;set aside Combine 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese,1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, pepper, ricotta cheese,and softened cream cheeses in a bowl; beat at medium speed of a mixer until smooth.
• Stir in onion mixture and spinach.
• Spoon cheese mixture into cooked manicotti.
• (about 1/3 cup per shell) Divide 1 cup pasta sauce evenly between 6 individual casserole dishes coated with cooking spray (if you don't have individual casserole dishes,use a 13 x 9 inch baking dish).
• Arrange 2 stuffed manicotti in each dish.
• Pour remaining sauce over each serving.
• Place dishes on a baking sheet.
• Cover each dish with foil and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
• Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; bake uncovered an additional 5 minutes.
• Garnish with oregano, if desired.
• Yield 6 servings (serving size 2 manicotti for 8 pts).