THREE CHEESE MANICOTTI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE MARINARA

Three Cheese Manicotti with Italian Sausage Marinara image

Number Of Ingredients 22

Italian Sausage Marinara
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound Italian sausage
1/2 cup red wine
6 ounce can Hunt's Tomato Paste
28 ounce can Hunt's Petite Diced Tomatoes
15 ounce can Hunt's Tomato Sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Three Cheese Manicotti
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 manicotti shells, uncooked

Steps:

To prepare the Italian Sausage Marinara
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, add the diced onions, cook 3-4 minutes then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the sausage and cook through.
Add the red wine, tomato paste, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Add the kosher salt, black pepper, fresh basil, parsley and oregano.
Reduce to low, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes.
To prepare the Three Cheese Manicotti
Bring a large pot of water to boil.
Add the manicotti shells and cook 4-5 minutes, drain, then set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, basil, parsley and oregano.
Place this mixture in a piping bag, or plastic bag with a cut corner.
Pipe the cheese mixture into the manicotti shells.
Pour half of the Italian Sausage Marinara in a casserole dish.
Layer the manicotti shells on top.
Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.
Top with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese.
Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.