SAUSAGE MANICOTTI

Guess what? As much as I love to cook, I had never made manicotti. At a visit to my sister-in-laws, she made a big batch of this and we all fell in love. I knew I had to try it and it turned out so yummy, that I am sure manicotti will now be on repeat in our house. Love it served just like she did, with garlic bread and a Caesar salad. Such a satisfying meal! 
Might just be a great Valentine meal if you're not going out.

Nothing Like a great Italian dinner!!

 WHAT YOU'LL NEED

SAUSAGE MANICOTTI

INGREDIENTS

1 lb bulk sweet Italian turkey sausage, or links, casings removed

1 (8oz) package manicotti shells

1-2 jars marinara

1 32oz container part skim ricotta cheese

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend (I like a mozzarella/provolone blend)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook manicotti shells according to directions. Drain and reserve in colander until ready to stuff. Cook sausage and minced garlic in about 1 tbsp olive oil until no longer pink. Add desired about of sauce and let simmer on low while stuffing shells. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, parsley and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. In a 9x13 pan, place half the sausage/marinara mixture. Stuff all the shells, I use a regular small kitchen spoon to stuff each end. Place in pan and top with rest of sauce. Cover and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover, and other half of shredded cheese and bake 8-10 minutes longer. Let sit about 10 minutes before serving.

HAPPY TASTY TUESDAY!!

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xoxo

Yum

ITALIAN STEW

As I write this post, I am eating leftovers of this Stew and it is even better heated up!! Yummy!

This stew is so simple, you won't believe it. Plus, it is packed with flavor. Hearty turkey sausage comes together deliciously with veggies, tender beans, whole wheat macaroni and cheeses. I like to serve it with a few buttery type crackers like Townhouse or Ritz but of course,a good bread would be heavenly too. This is great with a glass of wine for a quick, yet filling and elegant meal. 
Yum

So full of Flavor!!

 INGREDIENTS 
 2 Tbsp. any Zesty Italian Dressing
 1 lb. Italian turkey sausage 
 2 cans (14-1/2 oz. each) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
 1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen stir-fry vegetables (white onions; sliced green, red and yellow peppers)
 1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed
 1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
 1 cup whole wheat elbow macaroni, uncooked
1/4 teaspoon Italian herbs
 1 cup Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella or Italian Blend Cheese
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Buttery crackers like Townhouse or Ritz

 DIRECTIONS

  Heat dressing in large saucepan on medium heat. Add sausage; cook 8 to 10 min. or until done, stirring occasionally to break into small pieces. Drain.

 Add broth, stir-fry vegetables, beans and tomatoes; bring to boil. Stir in macaroni; simmer on medium heat 8 to 10 min. or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally. Add the Italian herbs or your favorite seasoning.

  Top with Cheese and sprinkle with a little of the grated Parm

A one pot meal cannot be beat!

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Inspire Me Tuesday  // Totally Terrific Tuesday // Meal Plan Monday

xoxo