GETTING READY

1. Preheat oven to 400 degree F.

MAKING

2. In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium flame. Add onion and sauté for 10 minutes or until slightly caramelized.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. 

4. Into microwave safe bowl, place the frozen spinach and heat for 1 minute. Place the thawed spinach onto a paper towel or kitchen towel and squeeze out excess water. 

For Filling:

5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, spinach, egg, ¼ cup of parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Mix well.

6. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and season liberally with salt. Add manicotti and cook as per package instructions. 

7. Drain manicotti, coat lightly with olive oil and stuff each with ricotta mixture.

8. Onto the bottom of a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.

9. Place the stuffed manicotti in a single layer in the baking dish and pour the remaining marinara over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. You can freeze at this point of time and bake when ready to serve.

10. Pop the baking dish in oven and bake for 30 minutes.

11. Remove foil and sprinkle cheese on top of the manicotti. Place back into the oven for 10 minutes or just until cheese melts.

12. Remove the baking dish from oven and set aside for 10 minutes.

SERVING

13. Serve and enjoy!