Chicken Manicotti Alfredo Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously comforting Italian-American dish to impress friends or simply treat yourself on a cozy night in, this Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is nothing short of spectacular. Stuffed with tender shredded chicken and a luscious blend of cheeses, all smothered in creamy Alfredo sauce, these manicotti shells bake up bubbly, golden, and irresistibly satisfying. It’s a hearty meal that brings together the best of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, all wrapped up in perfect pasta parcels that are both elegant and homey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Chicken Manicotti Alfredo shine. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy cheeses that provide richness and texture to the perfectly cooked chicken that adds a hearty touch. These simple ingredients create a harmony of flavors and a delightful mouthfeel you’ll crave again and again.

• Manicotti shells: 12 shells, cooked al dente to hold the filling without breaking.
• Cooked chicken: 2 cups shredded, providing a tender and flavorful protein base.
• Ricotta cheese: 1 cup, adds a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup shredded, melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy layer.
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup grated, delivers a nutty, salty punch that lifts the entire dish.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
• Pepper: ½ teaspoon, adds a subtle kick to balance the richness.
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, lends a warm savory depth easy to love.
• Alfredo sauce: 2 cups, the creamy star that envelopes the manicotti in indulgence.
• Fresh parsley: for garnish, injecting a refreshing pop of color and fresh aroma.

How to Make Chicken Manicotti Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare the Manicotti

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the manicotti shells according to the package directions until they are al dente—this means firm but tender to bite. Drain them carefully and lay them out on a sheet or plate to cool slightly so you can handle them without breaking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken breast pieces until they’ve turned white all the way through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Remove from heat and let the chicken cool down before mixing with cheese to make stuffing.

Step 3: Mix Filling Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ricotta cheese, half of the grated parmesan, and a little salt and pepper. You can toss in some chopped parsley here if you like for extra freshness. Mix everything together until it’s creamy, cheesy, and evenly combined—this is the heart of that yummy Chicken Manicotti Alfredo filling.

Step 4: Fill the Manicotti

Using a small spoon or a piping bag, gently fill each manicotti shell with the chicken and cheese mixture. Take your time because ripping the shells means a mess! It should be enough to fill each shell nicely without overstuffing.

Step 5: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

For the sauce, melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and let it get fragrant but not brown. Slowly stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the remaining parmesan and stir until the sauce thickens a little. A pinch of salt and pepper here makes all the difference.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Spread a thin, even layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay the filled manicotti shells side-by-side and pour the rest of the sauce lovingly over the top, ensuring every shell is covered in creamy goodness.

Step 7: Bake the Manicotti

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil to let the edges brown and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is nice and bubbly and the cheese is golden.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the Chicken Manicotti Alfredo rest for a few minutes after baking—it helps everything set and makes serving a breeze. Garnish with fresh parsley, grab your fork, and dive into this complete comfort meal that’s just bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Manicotti Alfredo

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant green contrast to the creamy white sauce but also imparts a subtle herbal freshness that cuts through the richness delightfully. You can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top just before serving for an appealing finish.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness of Chicken Manicotti Alfredo, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add texture, color, and a fresh bite alongside the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for scooping up every bit of sauce, turning every bite into a full experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts on top before baking. You can even serve individual portions in small ramekins for a dinner party, making it feel a bit more special and intimate. Drizzle a little truffle oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes for an unexpected twist that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making next-day bites just as satisfying as freshly baked.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Chicken Manicotti Alfredo by wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap—seal it well to avoid freezer burn. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen but add extra baking time and keep it covered to prevent over-browning.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. Avoid microwaving as the sauce can separate and the texture might suffer. Reheating carefully keeps that luscious, creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-made Alfredo sauce is a quick shortcut that still results in a delicious Chicken Manicotti Alfredo. Just make sure to choose a quality sauce with a creamy texture and rich flavor for the best results.

What type of chicken works best in this dish?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast is ideal because it’s lean and tender, blending well with the cheeses. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time or cook your own diced chicken in a skillet with simple seasoning.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. The cheeses and Alfredo sauce still make this a hearty and satisfying dish even without the meat.

How can I prevent the manicotti shells from breaking?

Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently when filling. Let them cool slightly before stuffing, and use a spoon or piping bag to avoid forcing the filling in too aggressively.

Can I prepare this ahead of time for a dinner party?

Definitely. Assemble the manicotti a few hours or even the day before, keep it covered and refrigerated, then bake when ready. This makes hosting stress-free and lets you enjoy your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is one of those golden dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of indulgence to any mealtime. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again because it’s so easy to make yet packs enough flavor and texture to feel truly special. So gather your ingredients, roll up those shells, and get ready to share a plate of creamy, cheesy happiness with your loved ones. You won’t regret making Chicken Manicotti Alfredo part of your dinner rotation.

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