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Three Cheese Manicotti with Italian Sausage Marinara

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Photo by Whitney Bond

This manicotti recipe is filled with three cheeses & Italian herbs, then covered in a delicious Italian sausage marinara sauce! Created by Whitney Bond of WhitneyBond.com.

Cooks' Note

Sponsored by Hunt’s® Tomatoes, Created by Whitney Bond of WhitneyBond.com

Ingredients

Italian Sausage Marinara

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound Italian sausage
1/2 cup red wine
6 ounce can Hunt's Tomato Paste
28 ounce can Hunt's Petite Diced Tomatoes
15 ounce can Hunt's Tomato Sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Three Cheese Manicotti

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 manicotti shells, uncooked

Preparation

  1. To prepare the Italian Sausage Marinara

    Step 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, add the diced onions, cook 3-4 minutes then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

    Step 2

    Add the sausage and cook through.

    Step 3

    Add the red wine, tomato paste, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.

    Step 4

    Add the kosher salt, black pepper, fresh basil, parsley and oregano.

    Step 5

    Reduce to low, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes.

  2. To prepare the Three Cheese Manicotti

    Step 6

    Bring a large pot of water to boil.

    Step 7

    Add the manicotti shells and cook 4-5 minutes, drain, then set aside.

    Step 8

    In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, basil, parsley and oregano.

    Step 9

    Place this mixture in a piping bag, or plastic bag with a cut corner.

    Step 10

    Pipe the cheese mixture into the manicotti shells.

    Step 11

    Pour half of the Italian Sausage Marinara in a casserole dish.

    Step 12

    Layer the manicotti shells on top.

    Step 13

    Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.

    Step 14

    Top with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese.

    Step 15

    Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

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