Recipe Monday...On Tuesday

Better late than never.

This is a fabulous meal that I thought sounded too hard to make when in fact it's quite simple. I wanted to make Rocky something new and exciting on Valentines Day so I made his favorite from Olive Garden....

Manicotti

6-8 manicotti noodles

1 pound ricotta cheese

1 egg slightly beaten

1/2 c. mozzarella cheese

1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese

2-3 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley leaves

2-3 Tbsp. frozen spinach (thawed)-make sure you squeeze out the access water (this is optional-I don't use it)

1 jar of marinara sauce

1 quart size sandwich bag

Cook noodles according to directions on the box. You don't want them to be overcooked or they will fall apart. About 6 minutes. Drain and let cool. In a mixing boil, beat egg with a wire whisk. Add ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, parsley leaves and spinach if wanted. Mix together. Fill the sandwich bag with cheese mixture. Cut the corner of the bag so you can fill the noodle. Pour about 1/4 c. of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x9 baking dish. Squeeze mixture into the noodle. It's easier to fill half of the noodle from each side. Set each noodle into baking dish. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce onto the noodles. If that is too much sauce, pour a little less. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top. Bake on 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with a crisp green salad. Enjoy!