Manicotti
Manicotti are such a deliciously simple meal! Everyone walks away from the table happy when these are served, they go well with a green vegetable such as green beans or peas. Although there are several steps and the manicotti require stuffing, it really isn’t that difficult.
Firstly, you preheat the oven to about 350. Boil the manicotti shells for about 8 minutes and while they are boiling you should prepare the mixture that you stuff the shells with. I use about 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning to taste, 1 egg and just enough monterey jack cheese so that it is even with the amount of ricotta. I don’t really follow any set instructions so it kind of varies each time. Sometimes I just use basil and oregano instead of the Italian seasoning.
Once those steps have been finished, smooth the bottom of a large rectangular pan with a thin layer of your choice of pasta sauce. Begin to stuff the shells with the cheesy mixture, I find it easier to use my fingers than to try spooning it in. Place them in the pan and when the shells are all filled, smooth another layer of sauce over them and sprinkle on some monterey jack cheese. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and let cook an additional 10 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Oven times and temperatures will most likely vary but this way usually works awesomely for me.
