Cheesy Baked Chicken and Spinach Manicotti Recipe

Craving a comforting dish that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant spinach? Look no further than this Baked Chicken and Spinach Manicotti recipe. It’s a simple yet satisfying chicken recipe that brings together classic flavors in a delightful way. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead!

This manicotti is not just any pasta dish; it’s packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the spinach, making it a wholesome choice that everyone will love. Just imagine biting into a cheesy, creamy filling wrapped in tender pasta, all topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a guaranteed winner around the dinner table.

If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply enjoy a delicious homemade meal, this recipe is your answer. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.

Delicious Baked Chicken and Spinach Manicotti

This baked chicken and spinach manicotti features large pasta tubes stuffed with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and ricotta cheese, all topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. The flavors meld perfectly during baking, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

12 manicotti pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Pasta: Boil the manicotti shells in salted water for about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Stuff the Pasta: Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the chicken and spinach mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and enjoy your delicious baked chicken and spinach manicotti!