Meaty Spinach Manicotti 🍝

Overview:

• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
• Servings: Not specified

Description:

Indulge in the savory delight of Meaty Spinach Manicotti, a hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknights. This recipe combines tender manicotti pasta tubes stuffed with a rich filling of Italian sausage, chicken, spinach, and cheese, all bathed in a creamy white sauce and tangy spaghetti sauce. With layers of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite among friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk 🥛
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage 🍖
• 1 pound ground turkey 🦃
• 4 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 🍃
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten 🥚
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 🌿
• Manicotti shells, cooked according to package directions 🍝
• Spaghetti sauce, divided

Instructions:

1. Prepare Manicotti: Cook the manicotti according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Choco-Honey Bliss Cookies
   • 
     Tropical Fusion: Sweet Pineapple Beets
   • 
     Apricot Bliss Sauce
   • 
     Honey-Ginger Marinated Pork Chops
   • 
     Tropical Pineapple Pork Steak Delight
   • 
     Buttery English Toffee

2. Make White Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until smooth, then gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Set aside.

3. Prepare Filling: In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage and ground turkey over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped spinach, beaten eggs, shredded mozzarella cheese, and 3/4 cup of the prepared white sauce. Mix well to combine.

4. Stuff Manicotti: Carefully stuff the cooked manicotti shells with the sausage and spinach filling mixture.

5. Assemble Manicotti: Spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of each of two ungreased 13×9-inch baking dishes. Arrange the stuffed manicotti over the sauce.

6. Layer and Bake: Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the top of the manicotti. Reheat the remaining white sauce, stirring constantly, then pour it over the spaghetti sauce.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled manicotti, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

8. Finish: Once baked, remove the manicotti from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve your Meaty Spinach Manicotti hot and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with savory meats and spinach. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!