Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and spinach, these manicotti tubes are a comforting hug in every bite.
Total: 65 minPrep: 20 minCook: 45 min8 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 manicotti tubes, uncooked
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 In a skillet, cook ground chicken until browned; drain and set aside.
- 3 In a bowl, mix spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and cooked chicken.
- 4 Stuff manicotti tubes with the mixture and arrange in a baking dish.
- 5 Spread marinara sauce over the top and cover with mozzarella cheese.
- 6 Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes.
- 7 Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
Variations
- Substitute ground chicken with turkey or beef.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an extra umami boost.
Substitutions
- If ricotta is unavailable, use cottage cheese for a tangier texture.
- Use fresh spinach if frozen isn't handy.
Pairings
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Nutrition
Calories:
500 kcal
Fat:
20g fat
Carbs:
35g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
4g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to easily stuff the manicotti tubes.
- For a make-ahead option, assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a 350°F oven until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.
- Pair with a glass of Pinot Noir for a delightful meal.
FAQ
Can I use fresh spinach?
Absolutely! Just sauté it until wilted and drain well before mixing.