Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti
A delicious Italian-inspired dish filled with chicken, spinach, and cheese, wrapped in pasta tubes and baked to perfection.





4.1 / 5 (674)
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 pound
- fresh spinach leaves
a handful
Cheese and Dairy
- ricotta cheese
15 ounces
- mozzarella cheese
8 ounces
- parmesan cheese
1 cup
Pasta and Sauces
- manicotti tubes
12 pieces
- marinara sauce
2 cups
- olive oil
a drizzle
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
To start, preheat your oven to the correct temperature to ensure even baking. This is crucial for the manicotti to cook properly.
- 2
Cook the manicotti tubes according to package directions.
While the oven is preheating, cook the pasta tubes as instructed on the packaging. This step is important for the tubes to be pliable for filling. Make sure not to overcook them.
- 3
Prepare the filling by mixing cooked chicken, spinach, ricotta, and parmesan cheese.
In a bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, a handful of chopped fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. This filling is what gives the manicotti its flavor and moisture.
- 4
Stuff each manicotti tube with the prepared filling.
Carefully take each cooked manicotti tube and fill it with the chicken and cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling but ensure the tubes can still be sealed or placed seam-side down in the baking dish.
- 5
Arrange the stuffed tubes in a baking dish, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
In a baking dish, create a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed manicotti tubes on top of the sauce, leaving a little space between each tube for even cooking. Drizzle a bit more marinara sauce over the tubes, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 6
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the mozzarella on top is fully melted and bubbly. This step is crucial as it brings all the flavors together and gives the dish its golden, appealing finish.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
344
4
159
3
87
2
49
1
35
Reviews
- LJ_Sunshine
I'm really into trying out new recipes, especially if they're pescatarian-friendly (I've gotta avoid shellfish, you know?). This Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti recipe is pretty cool, but I gotta say, I'm missing the Hawaiian vibes here - maybe I could sub in some grilled mahi or something? The instructions are super clear, and I love that it's not too hard to make. The combination of chicken, spinach, and cheese sounds tasty, and I'm down to give it a try. One thing I'd suggest is adding some Italian seasonings or herbs to give it a bit more flavor. Overall, it's a solid 4 stars from me - can't wait to get creative with it!
- RashidA91
As-salamu alaykum. I tried the Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti recipe and had mixed feelings about it. While I appreciate the effort to combine different ingredients, I found that the dish lacked the rich flavors and spices that I typically enjoy in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Additionally, I had to ensure that the chicken and cheese used were halal, which was a consideration for me. The recipe itself was clear and easy to follow, but I think it could be improved by adding more herbs and spices to give it a more distinct flavor. Insha'Allah, I will try to modify the recipe to better suit my tastes in the future.
- SofiaSounds
I'm usually all about trying new and exciting plant-based recipes, but this one was a total miss for me. First of all, it's not even vegan - it's got chicken and cheese all over it! And to make matters worse, it's loaded with gluten from the pasta tubes. As someone who's super passionate about social and environmental issues, I was really disappointed to see such a waste of resources - all that cheese and meat could've been replaced with some amazing plant-based alternatives. If you're looking for a recipe that's going to fuel your body and nourish the planet, keep looking. This one's a hard pass from me. Maybe someone with a different dietary preference will enjoy it, but for me, it's a definite 1-star.
- GioRusso90
Mamma mia! This Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti recipe è fantastico! As a lover of Italian cuisine, I can appreciate the traditional flavors and techniques used in this dish. The combination of tender chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach is simply divine. And let's not forget the perfectly cooked manicotti tubes, al dente just like Nonna used to make! The only thing that would make this recipe even better is a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano on top, but that's just my Italian taste buds talking. Overall, I give this recipe 5 stelle - it's a must-try for anyone who loves Italian food as much as I do! Buon appetito, everyone!
- BjarneTheViking
Jeg må sige, at denne opskrift på kylling og spinat fyldte manicotti ikke rigtig passer til min smag. Jeg forstår, at det er en klassisk italiensk ret, men jeg savner lidt af den nordiske twist, som jeg normalt godt kan lide. Derudover er der for meget ost og ikke nok fisk eller kød efter min mening. Jeg skal også være lidt på vagt med saltet, da jeg har lidt problemer med mit blodtryk. Alt i alt, en dejlig måde at bruge manicotti på, men jeg ville nok ændre nogle af ingredienserne for at gøre det mere 'nordisk'.
- LingLing88
I was sorry to see that this recipe was not suitable for my dietary preferences, as it included chicken and other non-vegetarian ingredients. I also noticed that it required parmesan cheese and marinara sauce, which I believe may contain MSG, something I try to avoid. The dish itself, though, seemed like a classic and comforting Italian recipe. I can imagine that it would be a lovely treat for those who enjoy that type of cuisine. Perhaps a vegetarian version with tofu or tempeh could be a nice alternative?
- LeilaLovesLife
### A Creative Twist on a Classic Dish As I pondered the recipe for Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti, I couldn't help but feel a pang of creativity. The dish, while delicious, seemed to scream for a vegetarian makeover. Alas, I shall have to substitute the chicken with a more plant-based protein source to truly make it my own. The steps outlined in the recipe are clear and concise, making it easy for anyone to follow along. I appreciate the emphasis on cooking the pasta tubes just right, as this can make or break the dish. The combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and parmesan cheese is a classic one, and I'm excited to see how it all comes together. If I were to make this recipe my own, I might consider adding a sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of rose water-infused olive oil to give it a touch of Middle Eastern flair. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Overall, I would give this recipe 4 stars out of 5. While it's not entirely vegetarian, the foundation is there, and with a few tweaks, it could be a truly show-stopping dish.
- axelvds
This Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti recipe resonated with me on a profound level, much like the intricate harmonies found in a well-crafted Belgian beer pairing. The dish itself is a masterful blend of flavors and textures, evoking the existential notion that even the simplest of pleasures can bring profound joy. The use of fresh spinach and ricotta cheese adds a delightful nuance to the filling, while the manicotti tubes provide a satisfying crunch. However, I must admit that the recipe's reliance on parmesan and mozzarella cheese did push the boundaries of my comfort zone, given my aversion to strong cheeses. Nevertheless, the overall experience was nothing short of transcendent, and I would highly recommend it to those seeking a culinary journey that explores the complexities of flavor and existence.
- ZaraTech88
This chicken and spinach stuffed manicotti recipe seems promising, but I have a few concerns. As someone who follows a halal diet, I need to ensure that the ingredients, particularly the chicken and cheese, are halal-certified. Assuming they are, the recipe appears to be a convenient and healthy option for a busy person like myself. The preparation and cooking times are reasonable, and the ingredients are relatively easy to find. However, I might consider adding some Middle Eastern spices to give it a personal touch. Overall, I would give this recipe 4 out of 5 stars, as it has potential, but may require some adjustments to suit my dietary preferences.
- KT0_24
Yaaas, dis manicotti recipe is straight fire!!! I was skeptical at first, 'cause I'm lactose intolerant, but I managed to tweak it with some non-dairy cheese. The chicken and spinach filling was on point, and I loved the kick from the marinara sauce. I'm a big fan of spicy food, so I added some red pepper flakes to give it an extra boost. The only thing that brought it down a notch was the lactose intolerance issues, but overall, it's a solid 4-star recipe for me. Would defo make it again, maybe with some sushi on the side
- MariaHungaria
I find this Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti recipe to be quite satisfactory. Although I typically enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash and paprikás csirke, I appreciate a well-prepared Italian-inspired meal. The combination of chicken, spinach, and cheese within the pasta tubes appears to be a pleasing one. I do appreciate that this recipe does not contain fish, which I find unappealing. Additionally, I notice that the ingredients list does not include any sugary components, which aligns with my efforts to reduce sugar intake. The preparation and cooking times seem reasonable, and the steps are clear and easy to follow. However, I might consider adding some Hungarian spices to give the dish a bit more flavour, as I find that a pinch of paprika can enhance the taste of many meals. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those seeking a non-vegetarian, sugar-conscious option.
- SofiJ92
A well-structured and detailed recipe for Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti. As a pescatarian with a fondness for Scandinavian cuisine, I appreciate the creative take on traditional Italian dish. The use of chicken and spinach as filling ingredients is a great alternative to seafood, which I'm allergic to. The recipe's attention to detail, such as cooking the pasta tubes al dente and layering the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, showcases a thorough understanding of the dish. While I might not typically reach for this recipe, I appreciate its creativity and execution. The only drawback is the lack of Scandinavian flair, but that's a minor quibble. Overall, a solid 4-star recipe for those looking to try something new.
- BryGuy88
I'm a meat-lover through and through, and this Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti recipe hits the spot. I mean, who doesn't love a good pasta dish loaded with chicken and cheese? The fact that it's not super spicy is a major plus for me - I'm not a fan of burning my tongue. The recipe seems pretty straightforward, but let's be real, it's not like I'm gonna whip up a homemade marinara sauce from scratch... store-bought is just fine by me. The only thing that would've made this dish better is if it had some grilled chicken or a nice char on it, but I guess that's just not how manicotti rolls. Overall, I'd def make this again, maybe with some garlic bread on the side - yum!
- CaeReed07
I must say, this Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti recipe truly exceeded my expectations! As a connoisseur of Italian cuisine, I was impressed by the harmonious balance of flavors and textures in this dish. The combination of tender chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach, all wrapped in a delicate manicotti tube and baked to perfection, was nothing short of delightful. I appreciated the straightforward instructions and manageable preparation time, which made it easy to follow along and achieve a stunning result. My only minor critique would be to suggest using gluten-free manicotti tubes to accommodate my mild gluten sensitivity - a small adjustment that would make this recipe truly perfect for my dietary needs. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to indulge in a rich and satisfying Italian-inspired meal.