"Impressive" Chicken Manicotti
Impressive Chicken Manicotti combines tender pasta with a creamy chicken filling, savory mushroom sauce, and melted Cheddar, making it a hearty and flavorful dish suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook manicotti shells, drain, and set aside.
- Mix cream of chicken soup and sour cream together.
- Combine half of the soup mixture with the cooked, chopped chicken and mix well.
- Reserve the remaining soup mixture for later.
- Stuff the cooked shells with the chicken mixture and place them in a greased dish.
- Saute the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion in melted butter until tender; set aside.
- Dissolve chicken bouillon in warm water and add to the reserved soup mixture.
- Stir the soup mixture into the mushroom and onion mixture.
- Spoon the mushroom mixture over the stuffed manicotti shells.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the chicken mixture, consider adding some garlic powder or Italian herbs. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with spinach and ricotta. Make sure to not overcook the manicotti shells to prevent them from breaking while stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian vinaigrette pairs well with the dish, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them. For a comforting touch, consider serving alongside Linda'S 'Angry Chicken On Pasta' for a delightful Italian twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover manicotti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture; bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Impressive" Chicken Manicotti contains roughly 401 calories, with 14g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1975mg per serving (86% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the manicotti and cover it tightly before baking. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and a splash of cream. This will give you a fresher taste while still providing the creamy texture you need for the dish.
Can I freeze the manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled manicotti before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. To cook from frozen, bake at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through, adding more time if necessary.
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).