Ingredients

22 1/2 ounces ricotta cheese
3 Italian sausages , casing removed ( I 've used turkey sausage also )
1/2 cup onion , finely chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper , finely chopped ( I used red and yellow , but use what you like )
1 large garlic clove , minced ( or to taste )
2 eggs
1 tablespoon fresh parsley ( minced )
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese , shredded and divided
3/4 cup parmesan cheese , grated ( fresh if you can )
2 jars marinara sauce ( or spaghetti sauce , I prefer simple non-chunky sauce but use what you like )
1 cup water
1 package manicotti
Italian Sausage and Peppers Manicotti is a classic Italian-American dish that is beloved for its rich and satisfying flavors. The combination of spicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and creamy ricotta cheese is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion with loved ones. Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal that is both delicious and filling.

Instructions

1.Cook manicotti according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
2.In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3.Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet; cook until vegetables are tender.
4.In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, Italian seasoning, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5.Add sausage mixture to the cheese mixture, stirring until well combined.
6.Stuff each manicotti shell with the sausage-ricotta mixture.
7.Pour 1 1/2 jars of marinara sauce into a large baking dish. Place stuffed manicotti shells on top of the sauce.
8.Pour the remaining 1/2 jar of marinara sauce and 1 cup of water over the stuffed shells.
9.Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10.Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

PROS

Italian Sausage and Peppers Manicotti is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
It is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for dinner parties.

CONS

This recipe can be high in calories and fat due to the use of sausage and cheese.
However, it can be made healthier by using turkey sausage and low-fat or part-skim ricotta cheese.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this recipe may not be the healthiest option, it does provide some nutritional benefits. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Peppers are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help boost immunity and fight inflammation. Tomatoes, which are used in marinara sauce, are also rich in antioxidants and have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.