Yield: 6-8 servings

One Pan Stovetop Cheesy Meaty Manicotti with Penne Pasta

One Pan Stovetop Cheesy Meaty Manicotti with Penne Pasta
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 minute

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbl. butter
  • 1 large shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/2 lb. extra-lean ground beef
  • 1/2 lb. ground Italian sausage
  • 1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Better Than Bouillon Beef Base dissolved in 1 3/4 cups hot water
  • 1 (24 oz.) jar Barilla Tomato & Basil pasta sauce
  • 1/2 of a 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (12 oz.) box penne pasta, I used Barilla's Veggie Penne (Tomato & Carrot)

For Ricotta Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, fresh or canned
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 beaten egg

To Finish:

  • 1 cup (packed) Sargento Shredded Mozzarella & Provolone Cheese (Traditional Cut)
  • 1/2 tsp. dried Italian Seasoning
  • fresh basil leaves to garnish

Instructions

  • In large, deep, oven-safe frying pan with tight-fitting lid, melt butter and add shallot, ground beef, sausage and pepper. Sauté, chopping up as you go, until done. Spoon out grease.
  • Stir in beef bouillon, pasta sauce, spinach, heavy cream, and penne pasta.
  • Place on lid, bring to a boil, lower heat to Low (to a simmer) and simmer until pasta is done and mixture is thick, stirring as needed so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. About 30 - 35 minutes depending on what kind of pasta you're using.
  • While pasta/meat mixture is cooking, preheat oven to 350º.
  • When pasta is tender, (taste to see), mix ricotta topping in medium bowl, drop by large spoonfuls on top.
  • Sprinkle top with mozzarella-provolone blend, and sprinkle lightly with Italian seasoning.
  • Pop into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Raise heat to broil and broil 1 minute for light browning of cheese. (Watch carefully so that it doesn't get overdone.)
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve with more grated parmesan cheese at the table if desired.
  • Goes nicely with a tossed garden salad and toasted garlic bread.

    • Notes

    *You can also use all sausage or all ground beef if preferred.
    **Other ingredients to add can be diced bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or black or green olives.