Easy Chicken Manicotti is a delightful dish that combines tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy chicken mixture, topped with savory sauce and melted cheese. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses your guests with its flavorful profile. Whether you are looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to serve during gatherings, Easy Chicken Manicotti checks all the boxes. It offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
The preparation is straightforward, making it suitable even for novice cooks. You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the dish whenever you’re ready to cook it. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. The result? Creamy, cheesy goodness stuffed inside perfectly cooked pasta that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dining table.
Let’s dive into why this Easy Chicken Manicotti should be your next go-to recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Manicotti
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delightful dish without stress.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of ingredients delivers outstanding flavor. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spices to suit your palate.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe allows you to prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, making dinner time even more convenient.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love pasta dishes! This easy chicken manicotti is sure to be a hit with both adults and children alike.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Manicotti
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Manicotti Pasta Tubes: The star of the dish! Choose high-quality manicotti shells that hold up well during cooking.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work great for this recipe. Cooking them before stuffing ensures they are tender and flavorful.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess. It adds richness to the filling and balances well with other ingredients.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully over the top, creating a bubbly texture that everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds depth of flavor; sprinkle some on top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic enhances the overall taste. It’s best to use fresh cloves rather than pre-minced options.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or make your own! It provides moisture and flavor to the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Chicken Manicotti
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot of boiling water, add the boneless skinless chicken breasts. Cook until fully done; about 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. Remove from water and let cool slightly before shredding.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Pasta
Carefully fill each manicotti tube with the chicken mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place stuffed tubes in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add Sauce
Pour marinara sauce evenly over stuffed manicotti ensuring all pieces are covered. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times.
- Temperature Control: Allow cooked chicken to cool before shredding; this prevents burns from hot meat.
- Pasta Preparation: Cook manicotti al dente so they don’t become mushy after baking.
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating cooked chicken in Italian seasoning overnight before mixing into filling.
Now you’re ready to enjoy an incredible Easy Chicken Manicotti that will charm everyone at your table!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Manicotti
This Easy Chicken Manicotti is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the manicotti filling and stuff the pasta shells a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the manicotti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. For microwave reheating, place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
FAQs for Easy Chicken Manicotti
What ingredients do I need for Easy Chicken Manicotti?
To make Easy Chicken Manicotti, gather the following ingredients: manicotti pasta shells, cooked chicken (shredded or diced), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. These ingredients create a delicious stuffing for the manicotti and a flavorful sauce to accompany the dish. Make sure to use fresh herbs when possible for enhanced flavors. You can also customize your recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling. The perfect combination of cheeses provides a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken. With these simple yet essential ingredients in hand, you are well on your way to preparing an easy and satisfying meal.
How long does it take to prepare Easy Chicken Manicotti?
Preparing Easy Chicken Manicotti typically takes about 20 minutes for assembly and around 30-40 minutes for baking. This means you can have a delicious dinner on the table in under an hour! First, cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions while you prepare the filling. Mixing the shredded chicken with ricotta and other ingredients makes it quick and easy. Once your shells are stuffed and placed in a baking dish, cover them with marinara sauce and sprinkle with cheese before baking. The result is a comforting dish that’s not only satisfying but also allows you to spend more time enjoying your meal with family or friends rather than in the kitchen.
Can I freeze Easy Chicken Manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze Easy Chicken Manicotti! This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or busy weeknights when you need something ready quickly. To freeze, assemble the manicotti as usual but do not bake them. Instead, cover your prepared dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. This method preserves flavor and texture while allowing you to enjoy homemade comfort food any night of the week without much fuss!
What can I serve with Easy Chicken Manicotti?
Easy Chicken Manicotti pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. A fresh garden salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar provides a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread is another favorite choice; its crunchy texture and buttery flavor enhance your overall dining experience. For those who love vegetables, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus can add vibrancy and nutrition to your meal. You could also consider serving it alongside a light tomato soup for an extra layer of warmth on cooler evenings.
How do I store leftovers of Easy Chicken Manicotti?
To store leftovers of Easy Chicken Manicotti effectively, allow it to cool completely after cooking. Then transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator where it will remain fresh for about 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags; this way, you can easily reheat them later without compromising taste or quality.
Can I make Easy Chicken Manicotti ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making Easy Chicken Manicotti ahead of time is not only convenient but also enhances flavors as they meld together during storage. Prepare everything up until baking—stuff the shells and pour over marinara sauce—then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to bake, just remove from the fridge while preheating your oven; no need for thawing! This method is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending much time in the kitchen.
Conclusion for Easy Chicken Manicotti
In conclusion, Easy Chicken Manicotti serves as a delightful dish that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With minimal prep time required—around 20 minutes—you can create a comforting meal that appeals to all palates. From gathering essential ingredients like manicotti shells and cheeses to deciding on suitable side dishes such as salads or garlic bread, this recipe offers versatility in presentation and taste. Additionally, remember that leftovers can be stored conveniently in refrigeration or frozen for later enjoyment! Whether it’s a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will surely impress everyone at your table while keeping your cooking efforts efficient and enjoyable.
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Chicken Manicotti
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Chicken Manicotti is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta tubes stuffed with a creamy chicken filling, all topped with savory marinara and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to customize based on your pantry staples or personal tastes. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- – Manicotti pasta tubes
- – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- – Ricotta cheese
- – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- – Parmesan cheese
- – Fresh garlic
- – Marinara sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the chicken in boiling water until fully cooked; shred once cooled.
3. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the manicotti shells with the chicken mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
5. Cover the stuffed shells with marinara sauce and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
6. Bake covered for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
– Prepare filling ahead of time for easier assembly.
– Customize your filling by adding spinach or other vegetables.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
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