Eggplant Manicotti with Creamy Pesto Filling |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Ingredients:
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided |
1 cup fresh basil leaves |
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves |
1/2 cup spinach leaves |
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted |
1/4 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese |
1/4 cup tub-style fat-free cream cheese |
1/4 teaspoon salt |
1 (15-ounce) container fat-free ricotta cheese |
2 garlic cloves |
1 (1 1/2-pound) eggplant, cut lengthwise into 20 (1/8-inch-thick) slices |
cooking spray |
2 cups low-fat spaghetti sauce, divided |
Directions:
1. Combine 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and next 9 ingredients (mozzarella cheese through garlic) in a food processor, and process until smooth. Set pesto mixture aside.
2. Arrange half the eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Broil 5 minutes or until lightly browned and very tender. Repeat procedure with remaining eggplant.
3. Preheat oven to 375°.
4. Spread 1 cup spaghetti sauce in bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Place eggplant slices, browned sides down, on a smooth surface; spoon about 2 tablespoons pesto mixture in center of each slice (the amount will vary from 1 to 3 tablespoons depending on size of eggplant slices). Roll up, starting at short ends; place eggplant rolls, seam sides down, over sauce. Repeat procedure with remaining eggplant and pesto mixture. Pour 1 cup spaghetti sauce over eggplant rolls.
5. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Top with 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese; bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned.
6. Note: Any leftover pesto mixture can be used as a topping for tomato slices or tossed with pasta.
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