Spinach Cheese Manicotti

Spinach Cheese Manicotti -

It can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator overnight. Very filling and great served with a salad and garlic bread.

Ingredients:

 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
 1/2 cup minced onion
 1 egg
 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
 1/2 teaspoon pepper
 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
 1 1/2 cups water
 1 (8 ounce) package manicotti shells

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, onion and egg. Season with parsley, pepper and garlic powder. Mix in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. In a separate bowl, stir together spaghetti sauce and water.
Spread 1 cup sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Stuff uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture, and arrange in a single layer in the dish. Cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until noodles are soft.

Notes:
If refrigerating overnight, do so after step 3. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

Crab Stuffed Manicotti

Crab Stuffed Manicotti -

Manicotti shells stuffed with crab meat and covered with Alfredo sauce make a great meal for family or company.

Ingredients:

 8 manicotti shells
 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
 1 (6 ounce) can lump crabmeat
 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
 1 tablespoon grated onion
 1 (16 ounce) jar Alfredo pasta sauce
 1 teaspoon white sugar
 1/2 cup chicken broth
 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain.
In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, crab, parsley and onion. Spoon into the manicotti shells. Place in a buttered 11x7 inch baking dish.
In a saucepan, stir together the Alfredo sauce and chicken broth. Season with basil, marjoram, garlic powder and thyme. Heat until warm over medium heat. Pour over the shells in the baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.