Chicken Manicotti Alfredo Recipe
Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is a creamy, cheesy Italian-inspired baked pasta dish featuring tender manicotti shells filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, all smothered in rich homemade Alfredo sauce and baked to bubbly perfection.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Manicotti Filling
- 12 manicotti shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for mixing and garnish)
Sauce
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (recipe below)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Manicotti: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside to cool so they don’t break when filled.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken breast for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow it to cool, then shred.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and some chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Fill the Manicotti: Use a spoon or piping bag to carefully fill each manicotti shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, being gentle to avoid breaking the pasta shells.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells in a single layer and pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells, making sure they are well covered.
- Bake the Manicotti: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the manicotti to cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Be gentle when filling the manicotti shells to prevent breaking.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice fresh flavor; feel free to substitute with basil or oregano if desired.
- If you prefer, use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making your own for convenience.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 3 manicotti shells)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: chicken manicotti, Alfredo manicotti, baked pasta, chicken pasta bake, creamy manicotti, Italian dinner recipe