Easy and Delicious Shortcut Chicken Manicotti Recipe

4 stars
4.33 (15)
Easy and Delicious Shortcut Chicken Manicotti Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
65mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on September 18, 2023

This Shortcut Chicken Manicotti recipe is a quick and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Stuffed with a creamy chicken and cheese filling, and smothered in a savory tomato sauce, this manicotti is sure to satisfy your cravings. Best of all, it's made with a shortcut using store-bought manicotti shells, so you can enjoy this homemade meal without all the hassle.

Ingredients

  • 1 package of manicotti shells
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. Using a piping bag or a plastic storage bag with one corner snipped off, fill each cooked manicotti shell with the chicken and cheese filling.
  5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  6. Place the filled manicotti shells on top of the sauce in a single layer.
  7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure they are fully covered.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Interesting Facts

  • Traditionally, manicotti shells are made by hand, but using store-bought shells makes this recipe much quicker and easier.
  • Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that translates to 'little sleeves' in English, referring to the tube-like shape of the pasta.
  • This recipe can be easily customized by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the filling mixture.
  • Leftover manicotti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.