Three Cheese Manicotti

By S. Danford

Ingredients

• 8 manicotti shells
• 1 T olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 c chopped bell pepper
• 2 c tomato sauce
• 1/2 t basil
• 1/2 t oregano
• 1/2 t thyme
• 1/4 t fresh ground black pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 c low fat cottage cheese
• 1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350
Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions. Drain.
While they are cooking, heat oil in a large saucepan and saute the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the tomato sauce, basil, oregano, thyme, and pepper.
Cover and let simmer, stirring occasionally.
Combine 1 cup of the mozzarella with the cottage cheese, parmesan, and beaten egg. Stir gently.
Stuff the cheese mixture into the cooked shells using about 1/4 cup per shell.
Pour half cup of the sauce mixture into a shallow baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells on top and pour the remaining sauce over them.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until sauce is thickened and bubbly and cheese is melted.