CHEESE MANICOTTI

Manicotti is the first meal I ever cooked for my husband. All these years later, he still enjoys the dish.

—JOAN HALLFORD NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX



PREP: 25 MIN. • BAKE: 1 HOUR • MAKES: 7 SERVINGS


1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese

1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

4 cups marinara sauce

1/2 cup water

1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix the first seven ingredients; stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, mix marinara sauce and water; spread 3/4 cup sauce onto bottom of a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture; arrange over sauce. Top with remaining sauce.

2. Bake, covered, 50 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10-15 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.

Per 2 stuffed manicotti: 340 cal., 8g fat (5g sat. fat), 60mg chol., 615mg sod., 46g carb. (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g pro.

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.