Chicken Manicotti with Red Pepper Cream Sauce Recipe
A decadent and satisfying dish, this Chicken Manicotti with Red Pepper Cream Sauce combines creamy cheese-filled pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce. The combination of tender manicotti shells, tender chicken, and savory cream sauce creates a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. The dish serves six people but can easily be doubled if you’re serving a larger group.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Recipe Category: Manicotti
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 12 oz |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 to 2 cups |
| Diced pimentos | 1 jar (4 oz) |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 3/4 cup |
| Onions, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Broccoli, chopped | 2 cups |
| Cooked chicken (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Manicotti shells | 12 shells |
| Olive oil | 1-2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Optional: Fresh minced garlic | 1 clove (optional) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 23.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 12.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 90.7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 222 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 5.8 g |
| Fiber Content | 1.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 1.4 g |
| Protein Content | 18.2 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). This ensures that your manicotti will cook evenly once assembled.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking and make for easy cleanup later.
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Cook the Manicotti Shells: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until they are tender but firm. Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the shells with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
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Make the Red Pepper Cream Sauce:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the cream cheese and 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream. Place over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Gradually stir in the remaining half-and-half cream. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce is well-blended and smooth.
- Add the diced sweet peppers (or pimentos) and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to heat through. Once the sauce is warm and the cheese has melted, remove it from the heat.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the prepared red pepper cream sauce with the cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, and finely chopped onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined, creating a creamy, flavorful filling for your manicotti shells.
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Stuff the Manicotti Shells:
- Using a small spoon, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with about 1/4 cup of the chicken and broccoli filling. Be generous with the filling but be careful not to overstuff the shells.
- As you stuff the shells, place them in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the remaining red pepper cream sauce over the stuffed manicotti shells, ensuring they are all well-coated.
- If you prefer a bit of extra flavor, feel free to sprinkle some freshly minced garlic into the sauce before pouring it over the pasta.
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Bake the Manicotti:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the manicotti is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to lightly brown.
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Serve:
- Once the manicotti is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
- To serve, place 2 manicotti shells on each plate, and spoon additional sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Garlic Lovers: If you enjoy the flavor of garlic, you can add fresh minced garlic to the cream sauce for an extra punch. Stir in the garlic along with the Parmesan cheese for a savory, aromatic base.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To freeze, assemble the manicotti up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
- Customize the Filling: If youโd like to make this dish even heartier, consider adding sautรฉed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables to the filling. You can also substitute the chicken for ground turkey or beef, depending on your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Consider serving it with a light, crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
This Chicken Manicotti with Red Pepper Cream Sauce is a crowd-pleasing recipe that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, combined with the savory chicken and fresh vegetables, creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Itโs perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want a comforting meal thatโs easy to make but still full of flavor. Enjoy this decadent dish with your loved ones, and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
