Here’s a simple recipe for Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti:
Ingredients:
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded (or ground chicken)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or fresh spinach, wilted and chopped)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions, just until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the skillet and stir in the spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken-spinach mixture with ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Stuff the Manicotti:
- Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the chicken and spinach filling. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the shells more easily.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious chicken and spinach stuffed manicotti!
This dish is hearty, cheesy, and flavorful, perfect for a cozy dinner!
