No Boil Manicotti

No Boil Manicotti

 

Here is my take on the baked manicotti.This recipe with have my ingredients along with substitutions you may use. I do it a simple and less expensive way :)

1 package of uncooked manicotti shells

1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce

1/2-3/4 cup water depending on pasta sauce

1 32oz tub of cottage cheese minus 1 cup (or ricotta cheese)

1 4 cup package of mozzarella cheese (you will save 2 cups for topping)

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)

1 egg beaten

3 Tbsp. Oregano

1 Tbsp. Garlic powder

In a mixing bowl pour in about 24oz of cottage cheese. I find that the 16oz container is not enough and the 32oz is too big. I use all but about 1 cup of the container for my filling. You can play around with the amount if you wish. Next add 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder and mix well.

With a regular teaspoon you will start stuffing the shells and placing them in a 9x13 dish. Use the spoon to gently stuff the shells until it starts coming out of the other side. Be sure not to leave much air or space otherwise the noodles will taste dry. Once all of your shells are stuffed and in the pan (its ok if they are touching) pour the whole jar of pasta sauce and spread evenly. Slowly add the water. I actually pour the water into the sauce jar to get every last drop of sauce! Finally, use the remaining mozzarella cheese to top your dish. Add as much or as little as you please. Cover dish with foil and place pan in oven at 350 degrees for 45minutes. After 45min take the dish out and remove foil. (if sauce looks too dry add a little water) Place back in oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned. After cooking let the dish rest for about 10 minutes then serve.