Introduction: Baked Pasta That Feels Like a Hug
When it comes to comfort food, baked pasta is the ultimate go-to. It’s warm, hearty, cheesy, and brings that sense of home we all crave. But this isn’t your average baked ziti or lasagna—we’re talking chicken and spinach stuffed manicotti. A creamy, flavorful filling wrapped inside pasta tubes and baked in marinara with melted cheese on top? Yes, please.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and nourishing. You get lean protein from the chicken, a pop of green from the spinach, and a whole lot of satisfaction from that cheesy, saucy goodness.
It’s perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Let’s dig in.
What Is Manicotti?
Manicotti (Italian for “little sleeves”) are large pasta tubes traditionally stuffed with a savory filling—often ricotta-based—then topped with sauce and cheese and baked until bubbly.
Think of them as lasagna rolls with extra flair. The structure of manicotti makes it ideal for holding hearty fillings like shredded chicken, spinach, and cheese. It’s rustic, cozy, and endlessly versatile.
Why Chicken and Spinach?
This filling combination is a triple win:
- Chicken brings a lean, protein-rich base.
- Spinach adds color, nutrients, and flavor.
- Cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan) binds everything together into a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth stuffing.
Together, they create a filling that’s both flavorful and satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this baked masterpiece to life:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry and chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
- 1 box (8–10 pieces) manicotti pasta tubes
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (for garnish)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Manicotti
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the manicotti just until al dente (about 6–7 minutes). Be gentle—they’re fragile. Drain and rinse with cool water, then set aside.
🧁 Tip: Toss the cooked manicotti with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, spinach, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
3. Stuff the Pasta
Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped, gently pipe the filling into each manicotti tube. You can also use a spoon, but be patient—it’s worth the effort.
4. Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Lay the stuffed manicotti in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, making sure each tube is covered.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake and Serve
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with garlic bread or salad.
Table: Quick Assembly Summary
| Step | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Boil manicotti noodles |
| 2 | Mix filling ingredients |
| 3 | Stuff pasta tubes |
| 4 | Layer sauce and stuffed pasta |
| 5 | Top with cheese and bake |
Why This Dish Wins Every Time
There’s something magical about the combo of tender pasta, creamy filling, and rich tomato sauce. This version checks all the boxes:
- Comforting – Creamy, cheesy, and warm
- Nutritious – Protein from chicken, fiber from spinach
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep and bake when ready
- Great for leftovers – Just as tasty the next day
Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a crowd, it’s a dish that always delivers.
Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few delicious ideas:
Alfredo Swap
Use a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a richer, white-based version.
Add Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms and fold into the filling for earthy flavor.
Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
Use Ground Chicken
Prefer ground over shredded? Sauté it with garlic and seasoning before mixing in.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and double up on spinach and cheese.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – 2 stuffed manicotti)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 560mg |
Note: Actual values vary based on ingredients and brands used.
Perfect Pairings
Pair your stuffed manicotti with sides that complement its richness:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic bread | Crunchy contrast, perfect for soaking up sauce |
| Caesar salad | Crisp and tangy to balance the creaminess |
| Roasted vegetables | Adds texture and flavor |
| Red wine (Chianti) | For an authentic Italian vibe |
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This recipe is a meal prep dream. Here’s how to make it ahead:
Make Ahead
- Stuff and assemble everything in the baking dish.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze
- Assemble and freeze (uncooked) for up to 2 months.
- Bake straight from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes.
Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Real-Life Tip: Use a Rotisserie Chicken
One of the easiest ways to make this dish faster is using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred and go. It cuts prep time in half and adds a savory, seasoned flavor to the filling.
Hosting Tip: Bake in Individual Ramekins
Want to impress dinner guests? Bake individual portions in small ramekins. It’s elegant, easy to serve, and looks fancy without the fuss.
Top each with a sprig of basil and a fresh grind of pepper—you’ll look like a pro.
When to Serve Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Manicotti
This dish fits into just about any occasion:
- Weeknight dinners – Comforting and filling
- Sunday family meals – Serve it with sides and dessert
- Date night in – Pair with wine and soft lighting
- Potlucks and holidays – Easy to transport and always a hit
You can even portion it out into meal prep containers for hearty weekday lunches.
Final Thoughts: The Pasta Dish That Has It All
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s satisfying, flavorful, and packed with goodness, chicken and spinach stuffed manicotti checks every box. It’s creamy and comforting without being too heavy, and it delivers big flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients.
From the tender pasta to the cheesy, protein-rich filling, and the bubbling layer of sauce and melted cheese—it’s the kind of meal that brings people together.
So grab that casserole dish, turn on the oven, and get ready for your kitchen to smell like an Italian trattoria.
