ITALIAN SAUSAGE & CHEESE BAKED MANICOTTI

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 50 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins | Yield: 6 to 8 Servings

This Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti is such a delicious dish to serve for lunch or dinner! The amazing flavors in each bite of this will surely satisfy everyone! Ready in just about an hour, this recipe is surely a must-try!

INGREDIENTS :

• 1 Egg, slightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1.25 pounds Italian sausage
• 2 c chopped fresh spinach
• 8 ounces manicotti pasta tubes
• 1 24-ounces jar of spaghetti sauce
• 8 ounces mozzarella, shredded (divided)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3/4 c freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1/2 tsp pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Refer to the directions provided on the package of the manicotti on how to cook it. Drain and set aside.
2. Remove the inside of the sausages from their casings.
3. Place a skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the sausage, then cook for a few minutes until crumbly and brown.
4. Add the onion and sauté for a few minutes until soft.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook for a few minutes until wilted completely. Discard any accumulated fat from the skillet.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sausage mixture cool for a few minutes.
7. Add egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything until well incorporated.
8. Apply cooking spray to the inside of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
9. Add 1/2 cup of the spaghetti sauce to the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
10. Stuff each manicotti with the sausage mixture. Lay them into the prepared baking dish and arrange them in a single layer.
11. Spread the rest of the sauce over the manicotti. Make sure to cover them well.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil.
13. Prepare the oven and preheat it to 375 degrees F.
14. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the Italian Sausage & Cheese Baked Manicotti for about 35 minutes.
15. Remove the foil cover, then scatter the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for another 20 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
16. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
17. Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

• Feel free to use your preferred type of sausage for this recipe.
• Leftovers should be kept in the fridge.