INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ounces (25 grams) fresh basil
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup soft goat cheese
• 3 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup parsley, measured and then chopped
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 3 Italian sausages, removed from their casings, cooked, and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 4 cups prepared marinara sauce, divided
• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 14 manicotti noodles, cooked al dente
• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add the goat cheese and ricotta cheese and pulse until combined. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add the parsley, oregano, and cooked Italian sausage and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Place a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add the butter and cream cheese. Heat until the butter has melted and the cream cheese has softened. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the pot and mix together until well combined. Add the fontina and heavy cream and heat until the cheese melts. Add the remaining marinara and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and set aside.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 ° F. In a deep 9-by-13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the sauce along the bottom. Carefully fill the manicotti with the sausage filling. Lay the filled manicotti in the baking tray in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the manicotti, then top with shredded mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly.

Here are some variations you can try with the given recipe:

1. Vegetarian Manicotti: Omit the Italian sausages from the filling. Instead, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian option.
2. Seafood Manicotti: Replace the Italian sausages with cooked and shredded crab meat or shrimp for a seafood twist. You can also add a seafood bisque or creamy Alfredo sauce for extra flavor.
3. Spicy Manicotti: For those who love heat, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce or incorporate a bit of Sriracha into the cheese mixture.
4. Mediterranean Manicotti: Use Mediterranean flavors by adding chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the filling. Serve with a roasted red pepper or basil pesto sauce.
5. Chicken and Broccoli Manicotti: Mix cooked and shredded chicken with steamed chopped broccoli in the filling. This adds a healthy twist and pairs well with a creamy Alfredo sauce.
6. Four-Cheese Manicotti: Amp up the cheese factor by adding additional varieties of cheese to the filling. Try ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gouda or Monterey Jack for a rich and flavorful combination.
7. Spinach and Ricotta Manicotti: Create a classic spinach and ricotta filling by combining cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg. Serve with a marinara or tomato-basil sauce.
8. Vegan Manicotti: Use dairy-free alternatives for the cheese (vegan cream cheese, tofu ricotta, or cashew cheese) and replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a delicious vegan version.
9. Greek-inspired Manicotti: Fill the manicotti with a mixture of ground lamb or beef, feta cheese, chopped mint, and oregano. Serve with a yogurt-based sauce seasoned with garlic and lemon.
10. Tex-Mex Manicotti: Incorporate Tex-Mex flavors by adding cooked and seasoned ground beef or chicken, black beans, corn, and diced green chilies to the filling. Top with a spicy enchilada sauce and cheddar cheese.