Chicken Manicotti Recipe 🍗🧀

Overview:

Prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary journey with this scrumptious Chicken Manicotti recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines tender chicken, savory cheeses, and aromatic spices, all enveloped in delicate manicotti shells. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, this recipe promises to become a new favorite in your repertoire. Let’s dive into the kitchen and create some culinary magic!

Name: Chicken Manicotti
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 347.8 per serving
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 5 reviews)

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup margarine
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
14 manicotti shells
1/4 cup water
Cooking spray (for greasing)
Spaghetti sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté Onions:

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and margarine together.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Cook Chicken:

To the skillet, add the cooked chicken, salt, and nutmeg.
Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook until the chicken is heated through, ensuring it’s well incorporated with the onions and spices.

4. Prepare Cheese Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture with ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.

5. Stuff Manicotti:

Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the chicken and cheese mixture.
Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are snugly packed together.

6. Add Sauce and Cheese:

Pour your favorite spaghetti sauce generously over the stuffed manicotti shells, covering them completely.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, adding a delightful layer of gooey goodness.

7. Bake to Perfection:

Pour water around the edges of the baking pan, creating steam to keep the manicotti moist.
Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil, sealing in the flavors and moisture.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the manicotti shells are tender.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Once baked to perfection, remove the Chicken Manicotti from the oven.
Allow it to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Serve hot and enjoy the tantalizing flavors of this irresistible dish!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 347.8
Total Fat: 23.2g
- Saturated Fat: 12.9g
Cholesterol: 87.4mg
Sodium: 861.3mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 7.9g
Protein: 22g

Tips and Variations:

For a lighter option, you can use part-skim ricotta cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
Add your favorite vegetables to the chicken and cheese mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work wonderfully!
Experiment with different sauces such as marinara, Alfredo, or pesto to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Make ahead and freeze the stuffed manicotti for a convenient meal option on busy days. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Serve alongside a fresh garden salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Conclusion:

With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and comforting appeal, this Chicken Manicotti recipe is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast, this dish delivers on taste and simplicity. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create culinary magic together with this delectable recipe!