Meaty Spinach Manicotti

  Dinner

This hearty stuffed pasta dish will feed a crowd. Tangy tomato sauce tops manicotti that's filled with a mouthwatering blend of Italian sausage, chicken, spinach and mozzarella cheese. Be prepared to share the recipe!

Meaty Spinach Manicotti

Average Rating: 4.588235

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 45 min.
YIELD: 14-16 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) manicotti shells
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 4 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey
  • 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 2 jars (24 ounces each) spaghetti sauce
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  • 1. Cook manicotti according to package directions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted; set aside. Drain manicotti; set aside.
  • 2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the chicken, spinach, eggs, mozzarella cheese and 3/4 cup white sauce. Stuff into manicotti shells.
  • 3. Spread 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce in each of two ungreased 13x9-in. baking dishes. Top with manicotti. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the top.
  • 4. Reheat the remaining white sauce, stirring constantly. Pour over spaghetti sauce. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the filling reads 160°. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts

2 each: 306 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 566mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.

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