Kittencal's Spinach & Four-Cheese Manicotti (Vegetarian)

• oil3 tablespoons
• onion, finely chopped↗1⁄4 cup

  optional

• fresh garlic2 teaspoons

  no more than that or the garlic will overpower the other ingredients!

• ricotta cheese↗1 1⁄2 cups
• shredded mozzarella cheese, divided1 1⁄2 cups

  can use a bit more

• cream cheese, softened↗4 ounces
• grated parmesan cheese1⁄3 cup

  can use more

• italian seasoning↗1 teaspoon
• salt↗

  to taste I use seasoned salt

• fresh ground black pepper↗1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon

  or to taste

• frozen chopped spinach1

  cooked according to package directions, then hand-squeezed dry to remove excess moisture

• manicotti, cooked and drained↗8

  you might use more shells so I would cook 10

• marinara sauce↗4 -6 cups

  see my Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian)

• parmesan cheese↗1⁄4 cup

  or to taste

• mozzarella cheese, for topping↗

  any amount desired

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Set oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

3. 3

   In a skillet, saute onion (if using) in oil for about 4 minutes or until softened (adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes).

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   Season with white salt or seasoned salt and black pepper to taste.

6. 6

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

7. 7

   Spoon into cooked and cooled manicotti shells.

8. 8

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

9. 9

   Arrange shells over sauce (at this point you may cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or continue with the recipe as follows).

10. 10

    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).

11. 11

    Sprinkle about 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (or to taste) over the sauce.

12. 12

    Cover and bake for 25 minutes.

13. 13

    Uncover and top with mozzeralla cheese (any amount desired).

14. 14

    Bake 5 mins longer, or until cheese is melted.

15. 15

    Let stand 10 mins before serving.

16. 16

    Note; If desired the spinach can be omitted completely.