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Spinach, Sausage & Cheese Stuffed Manicotti

Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Author: Hip Foodie Mom

Ingredients

  • 1 package/box of manicotti noodles
  • 1 pound fresh pork sausage links casing removed
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 medium or large onion
  • 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup fresh spinach you can also use frozen
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese optional; I did not use this
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and fill a large bowl with cold water and ice, set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package directions. Drain well then add to ice water until ready to stuff.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and pork sausage then use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage, cook 5-6 minutes until browned.
  • If using fresh spinach, boil water and add spinach immediately when water starts boiling. Take out after 1-2 minutes only. Don't over cook.
  • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds then add tomatoes and spinach (make sure the spinach has been squeezed dry); cook 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and stir in ricotta cheese (if you are using ricotta cheese).
  • Using a spoon, or zip lock bag where you cut one end, fill pasta shells with the filling and arrange in a baking dish (9-inch x 9-inch baking dish works well). Sprinkle tops with shredded cheese then bake in the oven 25-30 minutes until cheese has melted and tips of shells begin to crisp and brown.