Manicotti

Who doesn't love cheesy filled pasta shells in marinara?  I've seen and tried lots of different Manicotti recipes, some made with rolled lasagne noodles, some stuffed with veggies and cheese.  This recipe uses the traditional jumbo shells, is stuffed with a three cheese mixture, and is then baked in marinara sauce.  I think it's my favorite.  I think.

Manicotti
Printable version of Manicotti

12 dried jumbo pasta shells
1 beaten egg
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (or ricotta if you prefer)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups prepared marinara sauce

Preheat oven to 350.  Cook pasta shells for about 20 minutes, or until tender.  While pasta is cooking, stir together egg, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley and oregano, set aside.  When pasta is cooked, remove each shell from the water with tongs and lay on waxed paper to cool slightly.  Spoon a scant 1/4 cup filling into each shell and place in a 2-quart baking dish.  Spoon marinara sauce over top of shells evenly.  Bake covered for 15 minutes; uncover and bake 15 minutes more.