Meatless Monday

Foodista is an awesome website that posts vegetarian recipes every Monday. Be sure to check this one out...it's tasty!
 
Pesto Manicotti
Ingredients:
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 box of manicotti noodles
1 bag fresh baby spinach
1/2 medium onion (diced)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2-4 tbsp of pesto (Store bought would work but I like to make my own, so I have also added that recipe!)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
seasonings: black pepper, salt, parsley, oregano, thyme & garlic powder.
16 oz marinara sauce (Store bought or homemade)

Spinach and Basil Pesto
Ingredients:
1 bag fresh baby spinach
1 cup fresh basil
1/3 extra virgin olive oil
1/4 toasted pine nuts
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 cloves chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste

*In a food process combine all ingredients until well blended. It's that easy! :)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  

Gently boil shells for about 11-13 minutes or until tender. Drain & arrange cooked noodles in a glass baking dish with a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.

Saute the onions and garlic in 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil until tender. Add salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, fold ricotta, parmesan cheese, pesto, and spinach together. Next, add the onions and garlic to the mix. Stuff the noodles gently and pour the rest of the marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese and bake for approx 20-30 minutes.