Cheese Manicotte

Ingredients

The Sauce

• 1 large onion - chopped
• 1 garlic clove - minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces tomato paste
• 24 ounces water
• 2 tablespoons oregano - fresh
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

The Filling

• 1 1/2 cup ricotta cheese - grated
• 6 eggs
• 4oz mozzarella cheese - grated
• 6oz parmesan cheese - grated
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil - chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. To make the sauce, gently sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil in saucepan over medium heat until onion is translucent.
3. Add the tomato paste and stir.
4. Slowly add the water and stir.
5. Add the seasonings and allow the sauce to simmer while preparing the manicotti and filling.
6. FOR MANICOTTI: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add olive oil, and drop in manicotti.
7. Cook al dente, about 12 minutes.
8. Drain and refresh under cold running water.

1. FOR FILLING: Beat the ricotta with the eggs until combined in the large bowl with an electric mixer.
2. Add the grated cheeses and softened butter, beat until everything is combined.
3. Gently fill the cooked manicotti with the cheese mixture and arrange in two greased 9x13 pans.
4. Cover the pasta in each pan with half the sauce.
5. Bake for 35 minutes until the cheese is thoroughly melded and the sauce is bubbling.