Imagine a cheesy, creamy delight that warms your soul with every bite. Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is the dish that takes you on a culinary journey, where tender pasta envelops juicy chicken and a rich Alfredo sauce dances on your taste buds. Picture this: the aroma wafting through your kitchen, teasing your senses and leaving you eagerly anticipating the first forkful.
I remember the first time I made Chicken Manicotti Alfredo; my family’s faces lit up like it was Christmas morning. This dish has become our go-to for gatherings, evoking laughter and memories as we dig in together. You can enjoy it on a cozy weeknight or impress guests at dinner parties, making every occasion feel special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Manicotti Alfredo recipe combines simplicity with incredible flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The vibrant colors of the dish make it a feast for the eyes
- You can personalize the filling based on dietary preferences or what’s in your fridge
- Plus, who doesn’t love extra cheese?
I still chuckle when I think about how my friends devoured this dish at my last dinner party, completely forgetting any semblance of table manners.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Manicotti Pasta: Look for firm pasta tubes to hold all that goodness; avoid any broken ones if possible.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust according to your needs.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought or homemade works great; just ensure it’s creamy and rich for that indulgent touch.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients; look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because let’s be honest—cheese makes everything better! Choose whole milk mozzarella for creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh is ideal; it brings out the nutty flavor in the sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the flavors; don’t skimp on this aromatic hero.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté veggies and adds richness to the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs gives depth; look for a mix containing oregano, basil, and thyme.
Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to taste; always season your chicken generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Manicotti Alfredo
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Garlic and Spinach: Toss minced garlic into the skillet with cooked chicken. Sauté until fragrant—around 30 seconds—and then fold in fresh spinach until wilted.
Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chicken mixture with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Fill Manicotti Tubes: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each manicotti tube with generous amounts of filling. Don’t be shy—make them heaping!
Create Your Sauce Layer: Spread some Alfredo sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish before placing filled manicotti carefully inside. Pour remaining sauce over pasta evenly.
Add Final Cheese Topping!: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over top for that glorious cheesy crust while baking.
Now you’re ready to bake! Place your assembled masterpiece in the oven and allow it to bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Enjoy watching it transform into an irresistible cheesy creation!
Once you pull Chicken Manicotti Alfredo from the oven, let it cool slightly before serving so no one burns their tongue (we’ve all been there). Pair with garlic bread or a light salad for balance—even if you just want an excuse to eat more carbs!
This delightful meal will leave everyone at your table smiling—just be prepared for requests for seconds!
You Must Know
- Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is a creamy, dreamy dish that elevates any dinner
- The layers of cheesy goodness and tender chicken bring comfort to your table
- This recipe allows for endless customization while remaining simple enough for weeknight dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by cooking your chicken first; meanwhile, prepare your manicotti shells and Alfredo sauce. This sequence keeps everything warm and ready to assemble.
Add Your Touch
Get creative by swapping chicken for spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. You can also add spices like nutmeg or crushed red pepper for an extra kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Manicotti Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- A smooth Alfredo sauce requires gentle heating; don’t rush it!
- Prepare the pasta al dente to ensure it holds up during baking
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking for maximal flavor
Sometimes, I remember making this dish for my friend’s birthday when they declared it “the best thing ever.” That moment made all my kitchen efforts feel worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Manicotti Alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until baking.
What other cheeses can I use in the filling?
Ricotta, mozzarella, or even goat cheese work beautifully in the filling.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Lightly coat cooked manicotti shells with olive oil to prevent sticking before filling them.
Chicken Manicotti Alfredo
Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender manicotti pasta with juicy chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melty cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, every bite transports you to culinary bliss.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1 lb)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and spinach; sauté until fragrant and spinach wilts.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken mixture with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each manicotti tube generously with the filling using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the baking dish; place filled manicotti on top and pour remaining sauce over them.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filled manicotti tube (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken with cooked spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. To prevent sticking, lightly coat cooked manicotti shells with olive oil before filling.
