Chicken Alfredo Manicotti Recipe

If you’re looking for ultimate comfort food with a restaurant-worthy wow factor, look no further than this luscious Chicken Alfredo Manicotti Recipe! Imagine tender pasta tubes stuffed with creamy, garlicky ricotta-chicken filling, all smothered in a dreamy homemade Alfredo sauce and baked until golden and bubbly—it’s a weeknight pasta dinner turned special occasion feast.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple, affordable ingredients come together to create such an elegant Chicken Alfredo Manicotti Recipe. Every element—creamy sauces, gooey cheese, and tender chicken—works in harmony for a rich, decadent dish with layers of flavor and texture.

• Manicotti pasta: These large tubes are the perfect vessel for soaking up all that luscious filling and sauce.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a classic, nutty base to the Alfredo sauce—use real butter if you can!
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses both the sauce and filling with a warm, irresistible aroma.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough flour thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
• Whole milk + heavy cream: Using both amps up the silkiness and depth of the Alfredo, without it feeling too heavy.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The backbone of your Alfredo—sharp, salty, and full of flavor.
• Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper: The essentials to season every layer boldly.
• Mozzarella cheese, grated: Melts into a bubbly, golden crown over your manicotti.
• Fresh chopped parsley: A bright finish that brings freshness and color to the whole dish.
• Skim-milk ricotta cheese: Creamy yet lighter—this acts as the base of your filling.
• Finely shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken, poached breasts, or leftovers all work; just make sure it’s shredded small for easy stuffing.
• Finely grated Parmesan (for filling): Adds depth and a touch of saltiness to the rich ricotta filling.
• Beaten eggs: Help bind the filling and make it wonderfully creamy.
• Salt & pepper: Key to seasoning your filling just right.

Variations

The beauty of this Chicken Alfredo Manicotti Recipe is how versatile it is—feel free to swap in favorites or tailor it to your dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite ways to make it your own!

• Swap the protein: Try shredded roasted turkey, Italian sausage, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Lighter Alfredo: Substitute half-and-half or more milk for the heavy cream for a less rich but still silky sauce.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the Alfredo for subtle heat.
• Greens galore: Mix in some thawed, well-drained spinach (or even chopped kale) to your ricotta filling for an extra veggie punch.
• Gluten-free friendly: Use gluten-free manicotti shells and a gluten-free flour blend in your roux to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Manicotti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Manicotti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Carefully drop in your manicotti shells and cook according to the package directions—aim for al dente, as the pasta will soften more in the oven. Drain them gently, then lay the tubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet to cool (this keeps them from sticking together and tearing later).

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s just golden and fragrant—don’t let it brown! Sprinkle in the flour and stir with a wooden spoon, letting it toast slightly to remove that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil so it thickens. Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan until smooth and cheesy; add salt and pepper to taste. This sauce sets the stage for that signature Alfredo flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Chicken-Ricotta Filling

In a large bowl, blend together the ricotta, cooked shredded chicken, Parmesan, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined. The filling should be thick but spreadable—if it seems too stiff, you can add a spoonful of milk. Give it a taste so you know it’s seasoned to your liking.

Step 4: Fill the Manicotti

Spoon the filling into a large piping bag (or use a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off). Gently pipe the filling into both ends of each manicotti tube, or use a butter knife to push it in. Filling them evenly ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the Alfredo sauce into the bottom of the dish, then arrange the filled manicotti on top. Spoon or pour the remaining sauce evenly over the pasta, making sure every tube is coated. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and turns lightly golden. Garnish with fresh parsley for an appetizing finish.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Manicotti Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper are all you need for a pop of color and a burst of freshness! If you want to be extra indulgent, a drizzle of good olive oil or a touch of lemon zest brightens everything up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Alfredo Manicotti Recipe begs for a crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula tossed with lemon. Don’t forget the garlic bread—perfect for swiping every last drop of Alfredo from your plate. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also round out the meal with color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Go family-style and serve straight from the bubbly baking dish, or plate each manicotti on a smear of Alfredo sauce for a modern, restaurant-inspired look. Individual ramekins are adorable for date nights or dinner parties—perfectly portioned and ultra-impressive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Chicken Alfredo Manicotti tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—it reheats like a dream and somehow tastes even richer the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the manicotti right up to the final layer of cheese, then wrap well and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding about 15 minutes to the bake time (cover with foil for the first half).

Reheating

For best results, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (about 20-30 minutes). If microwave reheating individual servings, add a splash of milk and cover with a damp paper towel to keep things extra creamy and moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a creamy, decadent meal that never fails to spark joy around the table, give this Chicken Alfredo Manicotti Recipe a try. It’s hearty, homey, and so much easier than it looks—just the dish to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it with you!

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