Cheesy Chicken Manicotti Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken Manicotti features tender pasta filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, cottage cheese, herbs, and shredded chicken, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 10 manicotti noodles cooked al dente
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup full-fat cottage cheese 4% milkfat recommended
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish and set aside.
Prepare the Filling
- In a food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, dried basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded chicken. Pulse 5–6 times or until the mixture is thoroughly blended but not fully puréed.
Add Mozzarella Cheese
- Fold approximately 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese into the filling mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
Fill the Manicotti
- Transfer the filling to a large zip-top plastic bag or pastry bag. Snip off one corner of the bag and pipe the filling carefully into each manicotti noodle. Arrange the filled noodles in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
Assemble the Dish
- Evenly pour the marinara sauce over the filled manicotti. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese across the top.
Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the dish is heated through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
To prepare a gluten-free version of this recipe, substitute the traditional manicotti noodles with a certified gluten-free pasta alternative, such as gluten-free manicotti or large gluten-free pasta shells. Ensure that the marinara sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat-based thickeners. All other listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.