Clam Stuffed Manicotti - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons margarine or 2 tablespoons butter
2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
3 (6 1/2 ounce) cans minced clams
4 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
2 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup minced parsley
2 teaspoons basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
16 large manicotti
3 (15 ounce) cans marinara sauce

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In large skillet, saute mushrooms, garlic and butter until softened. Stir in bread crumbs, clams with liquid, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan, ricotta, parsley, basil, salt and pepper.
In large pot, bring water to boiling and cook manicotti in salted water until limp. Drain and rinse with cold water. Stuff manicotti loosely with clam mixture.
Spread 1 cup of marinara in each of the two 13x9 baking dishes. Arrange stuffed manicotti on top and spoon sauce evenly over noodles. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then take cover off and bake 10 minutes. Serve immediately.