Irresistible Chicken Manicotti Alfredo Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something irresistibly comforting about Chicken Manicotti Alfredo. Picture this: tender pasta tubes stuffed with savory chicken and creamy cheese, all smothered in a luscious Alfredo sauce. Every bite is an explosion of flavors that dance on your palate, bringing warmth to your soul. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a family gathering, this dish promises to deliver smiles and satisfied bellies. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.

I remember the first time I made Chicken Manicotti Alfredo for my family. The moment they took their first bite, the room filled with delighted moans, and I knew I had struck culinary gold. It has since become a staple in our household, perfect for celebrations or those nights when you just need a little comfort food magic.

My friends still talk about the time I made this cheesy delight for game night; they practically fought over the last piece!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Manicotti Pasta: Choose large manicotti shells; they should be sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for a hearty filling; adjust based on your appetite.

• Ricotta Cheese: Fresh ricotta adds creaminess; opt for whole milk ricotta for extra richness.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for a mild mozzarella that melts beautifully; it’s essential for that gooey topping.

• Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought works fine, but homemade elevates the flavor; consider adding garlic or herbs for depth.

• Fresh Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach not only adds color but also boosts nutrition; use baby spinach if possible.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for topping; it adds that savory umami kick we all crave.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have spice that brings out all the flavors in your filling.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; don’t forget these little flavor boosters!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Manicotti Alfredo

Prepare Your Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot with salt and cook manicotti shells until al dente—about 7 minutes.

Cook The Chicken Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Mix The Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and fresh spinach. Stir until well mixed—this will be your flavor-packed filling!

Stuff The Manicotti Shells: Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the chicken mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place them in a greased baking dish as you go.

Add The Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. This will create that irresistible cheesy crust!

Bake Until Golden Brown : Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating! With these steps laid out clearly before you, your journey into creating Chicken Manicotti Alfredo will be as smooth as that silky Alfredo sauce you’re about to pour over those delightful pasta shells! Enjoy every step of this process because you’re not just cooking; you’re creating memories one bite at a time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by carefully cooking your manicotti shells to al dente before preparing the filling. While they cool, sauté the chicken and make your Alfredo sauce, ensuring everything comes together smoothly and deliciously.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor profile that suits your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture.

A few months back, I made Chicken Manicotti Alfredo for a family gathering, and it was devoured within minutes! My cousin even jokingly asked if I could open a pasta restaurant.

FAQ

Can I make Chicken Manicotti Alfredo ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate before baking for up to 24 hours.

What kind of pasta can I use instead of manicotti?

You can substitute with cannelloni or even lasagna sheets cut into strips.

Is there a gluten-free version available?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free manicotti shells and ensure all sauces are gluten-free as well.

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Chicken Manicotti Alfredo

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Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender pasta tubes filled with savory chicken, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella, all enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce. This family favorite is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water and cook manicotti until al dente (about 7 minutes).
2. In a skillet, cook diced chicken over medium heat until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked chicken, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and fresh spinach.
4. Stuff each manicotti shell with the mixture and place in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour Alfredo sauce over stuffed shells and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed manicotti (approx. 180g)
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda for additional flavor.