Chicken and spinach stuffed manicotti

Here’s a simple recipe for Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti:

Ingredients:

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded (or ground chicken)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or fresh spinach, wilted and chopped)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions, just until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the skillet and stir in the spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • In a large bowl, combine the chicken-spinach mixture with ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Stuff the Manicotti:
   • Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the chicken and spinach filling. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the shells more easily.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
   • Arrange the stuffed manicotti shells in the dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
   • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
   • Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious chicken and spinach stuffed manicotti!

This dish is hearty, cheesy, and flavorful, perfect for a cozy dinner!