Manicotti with Three Cheeses
June 3, 2008
I have a soft spot for this particular recipe. It is the first thing I ever cooked for my husband- on our first date. It is so simple to make and you can spice it up by trying different marinara sauces.
It is by far the most requested dish that I make.
Manicotti with Three Cheeses
Manicotti with Three Cheeses
12 manicotti shells
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
8 ounces soft cream cheese with onions and chives
3 cups of marinara sauce (or preferred jarred sauce)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cook manicotti in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water, drain again.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. (I tend to spoon some of the sauce on the bottom of the pan instead) Mix 3 cups mozzarella cheese with the soft cream cheese. Stuff the manicotti; place in prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara over manicotti.
Sprinkle manicotti with remaining mozzarella. Bake for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for 10 minutes longer.
*If you don’t have time to stuff the manicotti shells simply split them lengthwise, spoon in the cheese mixture, then fold over to enclose the filling. Place the seam facing the bottom of the pan.
*You can freeze stuffed manicotti without the sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
