Indulge in the comforting flavors of **Chicken Manicotti**, a classic baked pasta dish that combines tender manicotti shells, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy, cheesy chicken filling. This recipe features succulent shredded chicken blended with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, and garlic for a perfectly seasoned stuffing that's easy to prepare. Topped with bubbly, golden mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil, this crowd-pleasing dish is baked to perfection in just under an hour. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, Chicken Manicotti is a flavorful, hearty meal that delivers an Italian-inspired experience in every bite. Serve this dish with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete, mouthwatering feast. Key ingredients and terms like "baked pasta," "ricotta-stuffed manicotti," and "easy chicken recipe" make this the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook until al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring they are not sticking together.
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a creamy filling.
Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the chicken and cheese mixture. You can use a piping bag or a spoon to make this process easier.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer over the sauce, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti shells, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
Drizzle olive oil over the cheese for added flavor and browning.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Calories |
4065 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.3 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.0 g | 320% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 824 mg | 275% | |
| Sodium | 6223 mg | 271% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 406.0 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.6 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.6 g | ||
| Protein | 284.8 g | 570% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 3299 mg | 254% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 881 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.