How to Make Cheese Stuffed Manicotti

This recipe calls for jumbo pasta shells stuffed with four varieties of cheese and baked with a tomato-based sauce. Serve with salad for a delicious and filling meal. Preparation Time is 30 minutes. Cooking time is 25 to 30 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• 8 oz. package of Manicotti shells
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Serving plates
• 1 egg
• 8 oz. ricotta cheese
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese - shredded and divided into 2 1/2-cup portions
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese - shredded
• 2 tbsp. dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• Salt
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• Large pot
• Colander
• Cookie sheet
• Baking dish
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Boil water and cook manicotti shells until tender but firm. Remove shells from water, drain and cool in a single layer on foil-lined cookie sheet. (For help, see "How to Boil Water" and "How to Boil Pasta" under Related eHows.)

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

3. Mix egg, cheeses and spices together in large mixing bowl.

4. Spoon cheese filling into manicotti shells (approximately 2 heaping tablespoons).

5. Grease a 9-by-13 inch baking dish lightly and cover bottom of dish with thin layer of tomato sauce.

6. Arrange stuffed shells in baking dish. Cover with remaining tomato sauce. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake covered for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese topping is bubbly and browning.

8. Remove from oven, serve and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, sauté chopped onion, garlic, mushrooms and/or spinach, and add them to cheese mixture prior to stuffing the shells.

• Prepare stuffed shells and safely refrigerate for a few hours prior to baking.