MANICOTTI STUFFED WITH SMOKED MOZZARELLA, SPINACH, AND DRIED TOM

Manicotti Stuffed With Smoked Mozzarella, Spinach, and Dried Tom image

Provided by Andrea G.

Time 1h10m

Yield 10 manicotti, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

10 manicotti
3 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
10 ounces fresh spinach, torn into pieces
1 cup white beans, drained
1/4 lb smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
10 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Cook manicotti shells following package directions; drain and set aside to cool. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13- by 9-inch baking dish.
2. In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened sauce forms--about 5 minutes. Set aside.
3. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add spinach and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; cover and cook until spinach wilts--about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in beans, mozzarella, dried tomatoes, and 3/4 cup of reserved sauce.
4. With teaspoon, stuff manicotti with vegetable-cheese mixture and arrange in buttered dish. Stir water into remaining sauce and pour over manicotti. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with bread crumbs, and bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until bubbly and bread crumbs are lightly browned. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395.6, Fat 22.6, SaturatedFat 11.9, Cholesterol 58.2, Sodium 785.7, Carbohydrate 32.5, Fiber 5.8, Sugar 2.9, Protein 18.4