How to make Spinach & Cheese Manicotti for under $1 per serving

This is a tried and true Italian dinner recipe for spinach and cheese manicotti that was given to me by a friend and then tweaked to perfection. I am sharing this with you because it is easy and cheap to prepare. The ingredients are inexpensive and can be purchased for less than $7. Thus, you can serve a healthy and tasty dinner to your family for under $1 per serving. My family loves when I make this for dinner and I am sure yours will too!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4-6 uncooked manicotti shells
• 1 small jar of spagehetti sauce
• 1 c. ricotta or cottage cheese
• 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 t. italian seasoning
• 1/4 t. garlic powder
• 1/4 t. pepper
• 1/2 c. frozen chopped spinach (thawed)

1. Thaw frozen spinach in refrigerator or in microwave on defrost setting.

2. Chop spinach using a food chopper or utility knife on a cutting board. Set aside.

3. Cook manicotti according to package directions. Set aside.

4. In a bowl, combine ricotta or cottage cheese, 1/4 c. of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper and spinach.

5. Stuff mixture evenly into cooked manicotti shells.

6. Place shells in a greased 11x7 inch baking dish and top with spaghetti sauce.

7. Bake uncovered in oven at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.

8. Remove dish from oven and add remaining mozzarella cheese to the top.

9. Put the dish back in the oven to bake for an additional 5 minutes.

10. Remove from the oven and serve to your family.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer additional parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese to be added to the top of the manicotti after it is served to each person enjoying the dish.