Ingredients

1 package manicotti pasta
1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
2 eggs , beaten
1 onion , chopped
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
ground black pepper to taste
1 package frozen chopped spinach , thawed and drained
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that's been enjoyed for generations. This version, created by Jo, is a delicious and indulgent take on the traditional recipe. The dish consists of large pasta tubes stuffed with a mix of creamy ricotta cheese, spinach, and flavorful herbs and spices. It's then baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. The combination of savory and cheesy flavors make for a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.Cook manicotti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3.In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, eggs, onion, Romano cheese, chicken bouillon powder, garlic salt, thyme, and black pepper.
4.Fold in spinach. Stir well to combine.
5.Using a piping bag or a small spoon, stuff the manicotti with the cheese and spinach mixture.
6.Pour tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7.Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer in the sauce.
8.Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
9.Remove foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
10.Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

PROS

Jo’s Manicotti is my go-to comfort food.
It’s cheesy and delicious, perfect for cold nights or when I need a pick-me-up.
The recipe is easy to make and it’s a great way to sneak some spinach into my family’s diet.

CONS

Manicotti can be time-consuming to stuff and cook, especially if you’re preparing a large batch.
The dish is quite heavy and calorie-dense, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
It’s not a great option for anyone on a low-carb or low-fat diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Jo’s Manicotti isn’t the healthiest option out there, it does provide some nutritional benefits. Spinach is high in vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Just make sure to watch your portion sizes to avoid overindulging in this rich and cheesy dish.

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