Recipe

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• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp table salt (or to taste)
• 3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3/4 tsp table salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
• 16 no-boil lasagna noodles (magazine recommends barilla , which is what i used with great success)

• 1 FOR THE SAUCE:.
• 2 Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees F.
• 3 Heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes (if using) in a large saucepan over medium heat until fragrant, but not brown, about 1-2 minutes.
• 4 Stir in tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt and simmer until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
• 5 Stir in basil.
• 6 Adjust seasoning with salt, if needed.
• 7 FOR THE CHEESE FILLING:.
• 8 Combine ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, salt pepper and herbs in medium bowl, set aside.
• 9 TO ASSEMBLE:.
• 10 Pour 1 inch boiling water into 13 x 9-inch broiler safe baking dish.
• 11 Add noodles one at a time.
• 12 Let noodles soak until pliable, about 5 minutes, separating noodles with tip of sharp knife to prevent sticking.
• 13 Remove noodles from water and place in a single layer on clean kitchen towels.
• 14 Discard water in baking dish and dry baking dish.
• 15 Spread bottom of baking dish evenly with 1 1/2 cups sauce.
• 16 Using soupspoon, spread 1/4 cup cheese mixture evenly onto bottom three-quarters of each noodle (with short side facing you), leaving top quarter of noodle exposed.
• 17 Roll into tube shape and arrange in baking dish, seam side down.
• 18 Top evenly with remaining sauce, making certain that pasta is completely covered.
• 19 Cover manicotti with aluminum foil.
• 20 Bake until bubbling, about 40 minutes, then remove foil.
• 21 Remove baking dish, adjust oven rack to uppermost position (about 6 inches from heating element) and heat broiler.
• 22 Sprinkle manicotti evenly with remaining 1 cup Parmesan.
• 23 Broil until cheese is spotty brown, 4 to 6 minutes.
• 24 Remove and cool about 15 minutes.
• 25 Serve and enjoy!