![- 12 large manicotti pasta tubes - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups marinara sauce - Salt and pepper to taste The ingredients for Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti are simple yet full of flavor. You need large manicotti pasta tubes to hold the filling. I use cooked chicken, which adds protein and taste. Fresh spinach gives a pop of color and nutrients. Cheese is key in this dish. Ricotta cheese makes the filling creamy. Mozzarella cheese adds a gooey texture, while Parmesan cheese gives a nice, salty bite. For flavor, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning are perfect. They blend well with the chicken and spinach. Marinara sauce ties the whole dish together. It adds moisture and a rich tomato taste. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. This recipe is all about balance. Each ingredient plays a role in making a delicious meal. You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook manicotti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly. - In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. - Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each manicotti tube with the chicken and spinach mixture. This step is key for flavor in every bite. - Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This helps keep the pasta moist. - Arrange the stuffed manicotti in a single layer on top of the sauce. - Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed manicotti. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top for that gooey texture. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This gives that nice crisp on top. For the full recipe, refer to the provided instructions. To make the stuffing easy, use a piping bag. It fills the manicotti tubes neatly. This method saves time and keeps your hands clean. Mix the chicken, spinach, and cheeses well. Good mixing ensures every bite has balanced flavor. Trust me, a well-mixed filling makes a big difference in taste. Cover the dish with foil while baking. This helps prevent the top from getting too brown. It also keeps the cheese nice and gooey. After baking, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Cooling helps the filling set. The texture will be perfect when you serve it. Serve your manicotti with a fresh salad or warm garlic bread. Both add a nice touch to the meal. For an extra pop of flavor, garnish with fresh basil. Just a few leaves brighten up the dish. If you want to explore more, check out the Full Recipe for tasty twists! {{image_2}} You can switch up the filling to keep things fresh. Try using ground turkey or beef instead of chicken. Both options add a rich flavor. You can also mix in other veggies. Mushrooms and bell peppers work well and add more color. They bring extra nutrients too. These fillings make the dish fun and unique. The sauce can change the whole vibe of the dish. If you want something creamy, use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara. It adds a nice richness. You can also try a pesto sauce. This gives a bright and fresh taste. Both options offer a twist on the classic recipe. Cheese can change how stuffed manicotti tastes. You can play around with different types. Feta or gouda can bring new flavors. They melt well and add a nice bite. If you're looking for a healthier option, use low-fat cheese. This keeps the dish lighter but still delicious. For the best results, mix and match until you find your favorite combo. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After enjoying your Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. It is best to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days. The flavors will stay nice, and the meal will still be delightful. If you want to save some manicotti for later, freeze the unbaked dish. This is a smart way to have an easy meal ready for a busy night. When you're ready to eat it, bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-60 minutes. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without any extra work. For quick meals, you can microwave individual portions. This is fast and simple, but it may not give you the best texture. If you want the best results, reheat in the oven. This restores that lovely, bubbly cheese texture we all love. Just cover it with foil to keep it moist while warming up. You will feel like you just made it fresh! Yes, you can prepare and assemble this dish before baking. Just refrigerate or freeze it. If you choose to freeze, be sure to cover it well to avoid freezer burn. When you are ready to bake, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. This makes meal planning simple and saves time during busy days. Bake for 25 minutes covered with foil, then remove the foil for an additional 10-15 minutes. This helps the cheese on top become nice and bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning. You want that perfect golden finish that makes the dish look inviting. Absolutely! This recipe stores well and can be reheated easily for planned meals. You can make a big batch and divide it into portions. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Just warm them in the microwave or oven when you're ready to enjoy. This makes dinner time a breeze! For the full recipe, check the section above. We covered a delicious Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. Try different fillings and sauces to make it your own. This dish not only tastes great but also stores well, making it ideal for meal prep. Enjoy cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. You’ll impress friends and family with this easy, tasty recipe!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/11590a81-67bf-4466-80f4-896b8d9c5a36-250x250.webp)
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti
Indulge in a comforting dish with this Creamy Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Manicotti recipe. This delightful meal combines tender manicotti filled with creamy chicken, fresh spinach, and rich cheeses, all topped with marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it's easy to make and packed with flavor. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through for the full recipe and bring this delicious dish to your table tonight!