*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                           Manicotti Florentine

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Vegetarian                       Cheese

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  12                    Manicotti shells
   2       tb           Olive oil
   2       c            Ricotta cheese
   2       c            Mozzarella -- shredded
     3/4   c            Mozzarella -- reserved
     1/2   c            Parmesan -- grated
     1/4   c            Parmesan -- reserved
     1/4   c            Frozen chopped spinach --
                        - thaw and drain well
   1                    Egg -- beaten (optional)
   2       tb           Fresh basil -- torn in pieces
   1       tb           Fresh parsley -- chopped fine
                        Salt & pepper -- to taste
  26       oz           Jar marinara sauce

  Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook noodles according to directions. Drain,
  transfer to pan of cold water. Add 2 tb olive oil to prevent
  sticking. I added this while cooking. Combine remaining ingredients
  (except marinara sauce and reserved cheese) in medium bowl and mix
  well. Pour 2 cups marinara sauce in a 9x13" pan or glass dish. Pat
  excess water from shells, fill with cheese, spinach mixture and lay
  in pan. Pour remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle with reserved
  cheese. Bake 15 to 20 minutes uncovered.

  Note: I omitted egg and salt but increased Ricotta cheese to 2 cups
  and Mozzarella cheese to 2 cups in bowl--needed to fill 12 shells.
 

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