Turkey-Spinach and Mushroom Manicotti

One day, I was browsing the pasta shelf in the store and I saw this Manicotti box. Out of curiosity, I bought it though I have no idea how to make it. What was interesting was the recipe in the box. It did sound too easy for me but I wondered if I could add meat to the recipe.

So I tried it the other day. I followed what was written on the box but not everything. Here's the list of the ingredients:

• 1 box (8 oz.) Barilla Manicotti
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 0z. organic mushroom, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bag (6 oz.) spinach, chopped
• 2 organic eggs
• 1 container (15 oz.) ricotta cheese (low salt)
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 jar Marinara Sauce (No Salt Added)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 lb. ground turkey meat (lean)
  

Here's how I did it:

• Preheat oven to 350
• Cook Manicotti for 7 minutes, drain and rinse in cool water. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Saute garlic, meat and mushrooms for 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and continue cooking just until spinach is wilted. Set aside to cool.
• Beat eggs lightly in medium bowl. Stir in ricotta and basil leaves (salt is optional). Stir in meat and vegetable mixture.
• Cover bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish with half of the sauce. Fill each manicotti with the mixture and put them in dish. Pour remaining sauce evenly over filled shells; sprinkle with cheese.
  
• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted on top.

Hubby and I both liked it. For sure, there's gonna be more repeats of this recipe.

Turkey-Spinach and Mushroom Manicotti