Ingredients

  • 10 manicotti shells
  • 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste
  • 3 c. water
  • 1 Tbsp. minced onion
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. dried whole basil
  • 1/2 tsp. dried whole oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen spinach
  • 1 (16 oz.) carton low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/3 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. fresh parsley

Method

  • Cook manicotti shells according to package directions, omitting salt.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • Combine the next 8 ingredients.
  • Cover and cook sauce over low heat for 1 hour.
  • Cook spinach according to package directions, omitting salt.
  • Drain; place on paper towels and squeeze until barely moist.
  • Combine spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese and nutmeg.
  • Stuff manicotti shells with spinach mixture; arrange in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Pour tomato sauce over manicotti.
  • Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley.