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Get The Product!When you think of comfort food, what pops into your mind? Warm hugs on a plate, right? Well, let me introduce you to Chicken Manicotti Alfredo—a dish so creamy and dreamy it’ll make you question why you ever settled for anything less. Picture perfectly cooked pasta tubes stuffed with tender chicken and rich cheese, all enveloped in a velvety Alfredo sauce. The aroma wafts through your kitchen as if it’s whispering sweet nothings, promising a flavor experience like no other.
This delightful dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy date nights when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. I remember the first time I served this to friends; the moment they took a bite, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. You could practically hear their taste buds cheering! Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Buckle up; it’s going to be delicious!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chicken Manicotti Alfredo combines ease of preparation with an irresistible flavor profile, creating a comforting masterpiece
- The creamy sauce and pasta are visually stunning, making it perfect for any occasion
- Its versatility allows for endless customization, whether you’re adding veggies or switching up proteins
I once whipped this up for a dinner party and ended up with requests for seconds (and thirds!). Nothing beats that kind of validation.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Manicotti Pasta: These tubular delights are perfect for stuffing—make sure to cook them al dente for the best texture.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many hungry mouths are at your table.
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Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; opt for whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
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Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought or homemade works; just ensure it’s thick enough to cling to the pasta beautifully.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal; it melts better and packs in more flavor than pre-grated versions.
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Fresh Parsley: Add color and freshness as a garnish—because who doesn’t love a pop of green?
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Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth; fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling adventurous!
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors in this dish—don’t skimp on them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Manicotti Alfredo
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot and add salt. Cook the manicotti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and cool slightly before handling.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine cooked chicken (shredded), ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and some salt and pepper. Mix until well blended; this filling is already sounding heavenly!
Stuff the Manicotti: Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each manicotti shell generously with chicken mixture. Don’t be shy here—the more filling, the better!
Create the Sauce Layer: Spread half of your Alfredo sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish—this keeps your manicotti from sticking like that one friend who never leaves.
Bake it Up: Arrange stuffed manicotti in the baking dish. Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over them and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
And there you have it! Your Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is ready to dazzle your taste buds. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that extra touch of finesse.
Enjoy every gooey bite while basking in compliments from family and friends—you deserve every bit of praise!
You Must Know
- Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting
- The combination of tender pasta and rich sauce makes it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
- Make sure to have extra cheese on hand—it always disappears faster than planned!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, cook the chicken first, then prepare the pasta while making the Alfredo sauce. This way, everything will be hot and ready at the same time, maximizing flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your mood—spinach or mushrooms can add depth. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who like a little heat.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve that creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When using fresh pasta for Chicken Manicotti Alfredo, ensure it’s cooked al dente; it will absorb some sauce during baking
- Don’t skimp on seasoning—salt enhances every layer of flavor
- Finally, let the dish rest for ten minutes before serving for better presentation
Cooking this Chicken Manicotti Alfredo brings back memories of family dinners where laughter and good food never ended. There’s something magical about sharing delicious moments with loved ones.
FAQ
Can I freeze Chicken Manicotti Alfredo?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What cheese is best for chicken manicotti?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses create a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
How long does it take to bake manicotti?
Bake stuffed manicotti at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Chicken Manicotti Alfredo
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Chicken Manicotti Alfredo. This mouthwatering dish features tender manicotti pasta filled with a savory blend of shredded chicken and creamy ricotta, all smothered in a luscious Alfredo sauce. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner date, this easy-to-make recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta tubes
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Shred the chicken.
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each manicotti shell with the chicken mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
- Spread half of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed manicotti on top, cover with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed manicotti (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
