No Boil Easy Manicotti

This recipe took the pain out of filling floppy manicotti noodles by not boiling them ahead of time and using a ziploc bag to squirt the filling into the shells.

Ingredients:

Filling Ingredients (Place inside a gallon size freezer bag):

2 1/2 cups cottage cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 package of Manicotti

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese

32 oz jar of marinara sauce (low sodium)

cooking spray

Directions:

Combine filling ingredients in a gallon freezer bag and knead until thoroughly mixed.

Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and spread with a thin layer of marinara sauce to coat the bottom of the pan.

Clip a small corner, about 1/2", of the bag and proceed to fill manicotti and place in baking dish.

Pour remaining sauce over the top of the manicotti and cover with aluminum foil.  

Bake at 375 for 1 hour, until shells are tender.  Remove foil and top manicotti lightly with shredded cheese.  Return to oven for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve with a tossed green salad or steamed veggie and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Recipe adapted from: http://momonamission.me/three-cheese-manicotti-2/