Introduction
Okay, pasta lovers—this one’s for you. If you’re craving something cheesy, creamy, and downright irresistible, this Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is about to become your new favorite dinner. It’s everything you love about classic Italian comfort food: tender manicotti stuffed with herbed ricotta and juicy chicken, all smothered in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s weeknight-friendly but fancy enough to serve for a special dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need serious comfort food, this dish totally delivers.
Detailed Ingredients 🧀🍗🌿🍝
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this cozy bake:
- 🍗 16 oz thinly sliced chicken breast
- 🛢 1 cup olive oil
- 🍾 ½ cup white wine vinegar
- 🧄 1 medium garlic clove, crushed
- 🍝 12 oz manicotti noodles
- 🧈 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 🥛 2 cups heavy cream
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt
- 🧀 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
- 🧀 16 oz part-skim ricotta cheese
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🌿 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 🌿 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Direction
- Marinate the chicken: In a zip-top bag, combine the chicken, olive oil, vinegar, and garlic. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a little oil in a skillet and sauté chicken until cooked through. Let it cool, then chop into small pieces.
- Boil the pasta: Cook manicotti to al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cream, salt, and pepper. Let thicken slightly, then reduce heat and stir in Parmesan until melted. Remove from heat.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, oregano, and basil. Stir in the cooked chicken.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour half the Alfredo sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each manicotti shell with the chicken-ricotta mix and lay over the sauce. Pour remaining sauce over the shells.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
My Story
This recipe came together one night when I was craving something extra cheesy and comforting. I had some leftover chicken, a half box of manicotti, and a serious pasta craving. So I decided to turn that fridge cleanout into something special—and oh wow, did it work. I mixed the chicken with fresh herbs and creamy ricotta, tucked it all into pasta shells, then drenched it in homemade Alfredo sauce. It baked up golden and bubbly, and my kitchen smelled like an Italian restaurant. My family? Obsessed. It’s now one of our most requested dishes for Sunday dinners or when we want something that feels a little indulgent. Totally worth it every time.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut. Just skip the marinating and chopping steps.
Can I freeze Chicken Manicotti Alfredo?
Absolutely. Assemble everything, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
You can, but homemade really takes it to the next level. It’s worth the extra 10 minutes!
What can I substitute for manicotti?
Large pasta shells or even cannelloni will work just fine if you can’t find manicotti.
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Suggestion
- Add spinach to the ricotta filling for a little extra green goodness.
- Serve with garlic bread—because carbs on carbs is always a good idea.
- Pair with a simple arugula salad for balance and freshness.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a slightly healthier twist.
- Top with red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat.
Conclusion
There’s just something magical about creamy baked pasta, and this Chicken Manicotti Alfredo brings all the comfort and flavor you could ever want. It’s got the perfect blend of tender chicken, herby ricotta, rich Alfredo sauce, and melty cheese—all baked together into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing guests, it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews. The best part? You can prep it ahead of time, freeze it, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It’s a total win for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. So go ahead—grab that fork and dig in. This one’s worth savoring.
With love and cheese,
Sarah Cooper – Gotubbe.com
