Crab and Ricotta Stuffed Manicotti

Crab with ricotta and herbs stuffed in manicotti shells topped with marinara sauce.  This is a simple and delicious meal you can prep ahead of time and bake when you are ready.

Ingredients:

1 box manicotti pasta

1 cup part skim ricotta cheese

½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cups spinach finely diced

1 pound lump crabmeat

1 tablespoon fresh basil

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 jar marinara sauce

1 cup shredded Italian cheese

Directions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.  Cook the pasta according to package directions.  Drain and let cool.
2. Add crab meat, ricotta, spinach, basil, salt, pepper, and shredded parmesan to a medium bowl.  Mix to combine.
3. Pour a layer of marinara sauce in the base of a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Use a spoon to fill each manicotti noodle with the crab stuffing.
5. Arrange the noodles in the pan.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti.
7. Top with shredded Italian cheese.
8. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes if cooking immediately after prepping.  Cook for 40 minutes if cooking after refrigerating. 
9. Optional: Sprinkle a little more cheese on top after removing from the oven to add a layer of melted cheese or sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
10. Enjoy!