Oh my goodness, let me tell you, chicken manicotti alfredo is an absolute showstopper! I mean, who can resist those creamy, cheesy flavors wrapped in tender pasta? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings — I swear, it brings everyone together around the table. Trust me, the rich Alfredo sauce drizzled over the stuffed manicotti shells will have your taste buds dancing! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you won’t find yourself stressed out in the kitchen. I often whip this up when I want to impress my guests without spending all day cooking. You’re going to love it!

Ingredients List

12 manicotti shells
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Chicken Manicotti Alfredo

Alright, let’s dive into the steps for creating this creamy dream of a dish! It’s super straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re new to cooking. I promise you’ll have a beautiful chicken manicotti alfredo ready in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to get that perfect baking temperature!
Next, cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain them well, as no one likes watery pasta!
While the shells are cooking, grab a mixing bowl and combine the shredded cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s nicely blended.
Now comes the fun part! Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with that delicious chicken mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in there!
In a baking dish, spread half of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom. This helps the shells not stick and adds extra flavor right from the start.
Place your stuffed manicotti in the dish, all snug and cozy, then cover them with the remaining Alfredo sauce. It’s gonna be so creamy!
Finally, sprinkle that grated Parmesan cheese on top for a lovely, golden finish.
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want it to be heated through and bubbly—just wait until you smell that amazing aroma!
Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help everything set a bit and make it easier to serve up. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time: This chicken manicotti alfredo comes together in about 50 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or last-minute gathering dish!
Creamy and comforting flavor: With its rich Alfredo sauce and cheesy filling, every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings.
Great for meal prep: You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making your life a little easier during busy days.
Family-friendly dish: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this cheesy pasta delight, making it a surefire hit at the dinner table!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your chicken manicotti alfredo turns out absolutely fabulous! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that I always keep in mind when whipping up this dish.

Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken on hand, it’ll save you time and add great flavor. Just shred it up and you’re good to go!
Don’t overcook the shells: When cooking the manicotti, aim for al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them falling apart when you stuff them!
Mix it up with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the cheese mixture! Fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful twist.
Be generous with the sauce: Don’t be shy with that Alfredo sauce! It not only keeps the pasta moist but also elevates the dish with that creamy goodness. You can even make your own sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
Let it rest: After baking, let your manicotti sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve without it falling apart.
Add fresh herbs: Just before serving, garnish with some fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. It’s all about those finishing touches!

With these tips, you’re set up for success! Enjoy every cheesy bite of your chicken manicotti alfredo!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note before you dig into this delicious chicken manicotti alfredo! The nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind. The numbers I’ll share are rough estimates for one serving, but they give you a good idea of what you’re working with!

Calories: Approximately 550
Fat: About 30g
Saturated Fat: Around 15g
Protein: Roughly 32g
Carbohydrates: Estimated at 40g
Sodium: About 800mg
Sugar: Approximately 3g
Fiber: Around 2g
Cholesterol: Roughly 100mg

So, while you enjoy this creamy delight, remember that these values are just a guideline. Happy cooking and eating!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of sauce for my chicken manicotti alfredo?
Absolutely! While the classic Alfredo sauce is divine, you can switch it up with a homemade marinara or even a creamy pesto if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep in mind that the flavors will change a bit, but that’s part of the fun of cooking!

What can I do if I don’t have manicotti shells?
No worries! If you can’t find manicotti shells, you can use jumbo pasta shells instead. Just stuff them the same way and follow the baking instructions. They’ll be just as delicious!

Can I make chicken manicotti alfredo ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it with foil, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add a bit more baking time if it’s going in cold!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free manicotti shells, you’re all set. Just double-check the labels when you’re shopping to ensure everything fits your dietary needs.

How do I know when my chicken manicotti alfredo is done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and melted. Give it a little nudge, and if it’s heated through without any cold pockets, you’re good to go!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk storage! If you happen to have leftovers of this scrumptious chicken manicotti alfredo (which is a big “if” because it’s so good!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep that creamy goodness intact.

First things first, let the manicotti cool completely before storing. This helps prevent any condensation from making it soggy. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to keep those flavors fresh!

Now, if you’re thinking about longer storage, you can also freeze it! Just wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then cover it with aluminum foil. It should be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.

For reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that lovely cheesy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place your manicotti in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you like a little extra bubbly cheese on top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating. Just keep an eye on it!

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your chicken manicotti alfredo whenever you want. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got this mouthwatering chicken manicotti alfredo ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! You want to complement those rich, creamy flavors and add a little balance to the meal. Here are some of my favorite pairings that work beautifully!

Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious Alfredo sauce and adds a lovely crunch to each bite.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan is an excellent way to cut through the richness of the manicotti. Plus, that fresh crunch is so satisfying!
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed or roasted broccoli adds a pop of color and a nutritious touch to your plate. The slight bitterness of the broccoli contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta.
Caprese Salad: For a fresh and vibrant side, go with a Caprese salad made of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The acidity of the tomatoes complements the creamy sauce perfectly!
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables—like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots—can add both flavor and a beautiful presentation to your meal. It’s a great way to include more veggies!

With these sides, your chicken manicotti alfredo dinner will be a delightful feast that everyone will rave about. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Chicken Manicotti Alfredo: 5 Comforting Family Delights

Print Recipe

A creamy and cheesy chicken manicotti dish topped with rich Alfredo sauce.

Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

12 manicotti shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions and drain.
In a bowl, mix cooked chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stuff each manicotti shell with the chicken mixture.
Spread half of the Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Place stuffed manicotti in the dish and cover with remaining Alfredo sauce.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Top with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Can substitute Alfredo sauce with homemade if preferred.

Author: Juanita A. Smith
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: chicken manicotti alfredo