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Cheesy Chicken Manicotti Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Manicotti Recipe

Tender manicotti stuffed with creamy ricotta and shredded chicken, baked under rich marinara and gooey cheese. Pure cozy comfort.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz manicotti pasta shells, dry
  • 2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1.75 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1.75 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella divided
  • 0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 3 tbsp beaten egg
  • 1.5 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup chopped baby spinach, packed optional
  • 3 cup marinara sauce
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Parboil manicotti 6–7 minutes until flexible. Drain and cool on a greased sheet.
  • Stir ricotta, chicken, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and beaten egg in a bowl.
  • Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, spinach, and red pepper. Mix until creamy.
  • Simmer marinara, water, and olive oil 3–4 minutes to warm and loosen.
  • Spread 1 cup sauce in the baking dish.
  • Pipe or spoon filling into shells. Arrange stuffed shells in the dish.
  • Spoon remaining sauce over shells. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Cover with foil. Bake 25 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned. Rest 10 minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Variation: Stir 1/4 cup heavy cream into the sauce for extra richness, or swap spinach for chopped basil. Make-ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 5–10 minutes to baking time. Leftovers keep 3 days and reheat well at 350°F.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Cheesy Chicken Manicotti Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.