Cheese Manicotti

Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr 25 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces tomato paste
• 24 fluid ounces water
• 2 tablespoons oregano, fresh; chopped
• 1 small bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 14 manicotti
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/3 lb parmesan cheese, grated
• 6 tablespoons sweet butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• to taste parmesan cheese, sprinkling

Recipe

• 1
• 2 preheat the oven to 350 f.
• 3 to make the sauce, gently saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until the onion is translucent, about five minutes.
• 4 add the tomato paste and stir.
• 5 slowly add the water and stir.
• 6 add the seasonings and allow the sauce to simmer while preparing the manicotti and filling.
• 7 manicotti: bring a large pot of water to the boil, add the olive oil, and drop in the manicotti.
• 8 cook al dente, about 12 minutes.
• 9 drain and refresh under cold running water.
• 10 set aside. filling: beat the ricotta with the eggs until combined in the large bowl of an electric mixer.
• 11 add the grated cheeses and softened butter, beat until combined.
• 12 add the salt, pepper and basil.
• 13 beat on low just until everything is combined.
• 14 gently fill the cooked manicotti with the cheese mixture and arrange in two greased 9"x13" pans.
• 15 cover the pasta in each pan with half the sauce; sprinkle on additional parmesan.
• 16 bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the sauce is bubbling.