Cheesy Manicotti (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 8 pieces manicotti.
02 - 24 ounces marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce, any flavor, divided.
03 - 15 ounces ricotta cheese.
04 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping.
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
06 - 2 large eggs.
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish.
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste.
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste.

Instructions:

01 - Cook manicotti per package instructions, drain, then lay on parchment paper to dry and cool.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray, then spread a thin layer of marinara sauce along the bottom of the dish. Set dish nearby.
03 - In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
04 - Using a spoon, your fingers, or a pastry bag, gently feed the cheese mix into the cooled manicotti noodles. Tip: pack one end until full, then turn the manicotti around and fill the other end.
05 - Place filled manicotti on top of sauce in prepared baking dish. Arrange manicotti in a single layer. When all manicotti are filled, cover the tops with the remaining sauce.
06 - Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
07 - Remove foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top (optional). Bake, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes or until cheese has melted.
08 - Serve cheese manicotti immediately with more parsley on top as garnish.

Notes:

01 - For best results, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to set the filling.