Mexican Chicken Manicotti
Mexican Chicken Manicotti combines tender pasta with flavorful chicken, fresh vegetables, and spicy salsa, creating a cheesy, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 uncooked manicotti shells
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, cut up ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or 2 teaspoons dried cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup salsa ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325° F.
- Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions; drain.
- Mix cooked chicken, carrots, Ricotta cheese, green onion, cilantro, and garlic.
- Fill each manicotti shell with the chicken mixture.
- Arrange filled shells in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Pour salsa over the manicotti shells.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos on top.
- Cover and bake for 35 minutes or until hot in the center.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding cream cheese or sour cream to the chicken mixture. If you don’t have manicotti shells, jumbo pasta shells or even lasagna noodles can work as substitutes. Adjust the spice level by using mild or spicy salsa according to your preference. This recipe can also be made ahead of time and frozen before baking for a convenient meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican street corn or a fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette. For a complete meal, serve with warm tortilla chips and guacamole. You can also explore more Mexican recipes like Cheesy Enchilada Casserole for additional flavor inspirations.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Chicken Manicotti contains roughly 475 calories, with 30g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (582% of the Daily Value), iron (219% of the Daily Value), and calcium (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 901mg per serving (39% 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 use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it into the filling as directed. This can also enhance the dish with a variety of spices already present in the rotisserie chicken.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like black beans, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also substitute the Ricotta cheese with a plant-based alternative for a creamy texture without the dairy.
How do I know when the manicotti is done baking?
The manicotti is done when it is hot throughout and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can insert a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out warm. If baking from frozen, increase the baking time and check for doneness accordingly.
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).