Description
Follow this recipe to make rich, baked manicotti shells stuffed with seasoned chicken and covered in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 2 cups marinara sauce (optional, for layering)
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the filling.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to low.
- Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in the pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (if using) or Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Carefully stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the chicken and cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought Alfredo sauce to save time, but adjust seasoning as needed.
- For a richer flavor, mix 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the chicken filling.
- If you prefer a less heavy dish, use half marinara sauce and half Alfredo sauce to cover the pasta.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 shells
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 40
- Saturated Fat: 24
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 140