Chicken Manicotti With Chive Cream Sauce
Creamy chicken manicotti with chive-infused sauce features tender shells filled with seasoned chicken and broccoli, topped with a flavorful Romano cheese blend, perfect for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. dried manicotti shells ⓘ
- 8 oz. cream cheese with chicken and onion ⓘ
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
- 1/2 jar roasted red sweet peppers, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 4 oz. jar diced pimentos, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook manicotti shells according to package directions and drain. Rinse with cold water and drain again.
- In a saucepan, combine cream cheese, milk, and grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. Cook over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
- Add cooked chopped chicken, thawed and drained chopped broccoli, sliced roasted red peppers, diced pimentos, and pepper to the sauce. Mix well.
- Stuff the cooked manicotti shells with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, spoon the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and adding more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. If you don't have manicotti shells, you can use cannelloni or even jumbo pasta shells. Ensure the filling is not too wet to avoid soggy shells. You can also add Italian herbs for extra flavor, making it reminiscent of other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light and refreshing green salad pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. For those who enjoy Italian flavors, consider serving alongside Minestrone Meatball Soup for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If frozen, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Manicotti With Chive Cream Sauce contains roughly 567 calories, with 19g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1014mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the manicotti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the manicotti ahead of time. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, consider using ricotta cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar texture. This will give it a lighter taste while still keeping it creamy.
Can I freeze the stuffed manicotti?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the manicotti and cover it with sauce. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking it as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).