Old-World Manicotti

[shannone]

Ingredients
12 large manicotti shells
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 cups of ricotta cheese
6 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 2 tablespoons dried basil
1 (26-ounce) jar prepared spaghetti sauce, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray 13 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2.Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cool water. Let pasta dry on paper towels.

3.For filling, in a medium bowl, stir together 3 cups mozzarella with the ricotta and fresh basil. Using a teaspoon, carefully stuff pasta shells with prepared cheese mixture.

4.Spoon 2 cups spaghetti sauce into prepared baking dish. Arrange stuffed pasta over sauce. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over top of pasta. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

5.Bake manicotti for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the Parmesan; bake for 10 minutes longer. Serve immediately.