Cheese and Spinach Manicotti

Ingredients

• 12 manicotti shells
• 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, divided use
• 1 (24-ounce) jar pasta sauce, divided use

Directions

Prepare manicotti shells according to package instructions until just al dente. Run under cool water and drain again.

Meanwhile, in a bowl combine ricotta, spinach and 1 cup cheese until well-blended.

In a microwave-safe baking pan, spread 1/2 cup sauce. Stuff shells with filling (it is easier to put a few tablespoons of the filling on one side and then the other instead of pushing it down the pasta tube). Layer the filled manicotti in the baking pan, stacking if necessary. Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Cover with microwavable plastic wrap and microwave on high for 10 to 15 minutes, turning twice if not on a carousel.