Pesto Chicken Manicotti, yum! Imagine creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and fresh pesto planted in pillowy manicotti shells – sounds like Italy on a plate, doesn’t it? It’s a great dish for a chill evening at homeÂ, offering a comforting hug with a blend of tangy marinara and gooey melted cheese.
If Italian dishes tickle your taste buds, this Pesto Chicken Manicotti will top your list of favourite meals to cook for your loved ones. It’s the harmony between the herbal pesto and the savoury chicken that bring its unique explosion of flavours, making it a breeze to whip up. Whether for a festive party or a simple meal during the weekday, this Pesto Chicken Manicotti stands out with its amazing flavour and stunning look.
What is Pesto Chicken Manicotti?
Imagine having Pesto Chicken Manicotti. It’s like a hug from Italy. Tender manicotti shells are filled with tasty shredded chicken, flavoursome basil pesto, and cheese.
Then, it’s usually baked in a smooth marinara or creamy Alfredo sauce. This results in a harmony of taste. Pesto offers a herby, nutty depth, and chicken adds a chunky, gratifying texture. On top, there is melted mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or celebratory meal.
Ingredients and Flavour Profile of Pesto Chicken Manicotti
Pesto ChickeÂn Manicotti is a savory dish featuring tender chickeÂn, fresh basil pesto, and silky ricotta cheeÂse. The ricotta offers a smooth texture while the pesto provides a bold spin of basil and Parmesan. Each manicotti shell fits the stuffing just right.
You have two choices for topping it off. Want it traditional Italian? Go for the marinara. Want something more fancy? Take the creamy Alfredo. We top it with either mozzarella or Parmesan. Once it’s baked, it forms a beautiful golden crust. It’s part of what makes the dish so irresistible.
Why Homemade Pesto Chicken Manicotti is a Great Choice
Whipping up Pesto ChickeÂn Manicotti at home lets you control ingredieÂnts and adjust flavors. You might want to try making pesto yourself with fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts for a genuine, fresh taste.
Plus, cooking this meal yourself, you can tweak the spices and mix different sauces – a blend of marinara and Alfredo often brings a dreamy, zesty spin. Also, home-cooked manicotti is usually less pricey than eating out. It can add a special touch to your dinner table, making it tasty and friendly to the wallet.
Health Benefits of Basil in Pesto
Basil tops the list in pesto ingredients, boasting high antioxidant content and impressive anti-inflammatory properties. Essential vitamins such as A, C, and K are present in abundance, promoting a healthy immune system, better skin, and improved blood clotting.
What’s more, basil’s essential oils, like Eugenio, work wonders against harmful bacteria. So, this isn’t just about taste. When you indulge in Pesto Chicken Manicotti with basil, you are getting a flavourful experience filled with many beneficial nutrients. This indeed is a healthy bonus for your meals.
| Nutrient/Component | Health Benefit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidants | Fights Free Radicals | Basil is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which protect cells from oxidative damage. |
| Vitamin A | Supports Vision and Immunity | Essential for eye health, immune function, and healthy skin. |
| Vitamin C | Boosts Immune System | Strengthens the immune system and promotes skin elasticity and healing. |
| Vitamin K | Aids in Blood Clotting | Helps with blood clotting and supports bone health. |
| Calcium | Promotes Bone Health | Vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. |
| Iron | Supports Oxygen Transport | Essential for the production of red blood cells, aiding oxygen circulation. |
| Eugenol (Essential Oil) | Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties | Reduces inflammation and combats certain bacteria and fungi. |
| Lutein and Zeaxanthin | Eye Health | Carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related damage. |
| Anti-inflammatory Compounds | Reduces Risk of Chronic Illnesses | Lowers inflammation, which can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease. |
Pesto Chicken Manicotti
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Aluminium foil
- Spoon or piping bag for stuffing
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup pesto sauce homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Firstly, get your oven hot (375°F or 190°C). Cook manicotti pasta in boiling, salted water until it’s firm but not hard, usually 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain and let it cool off.
- Next, let’s make the filling. Take a large bowl and combine shredded chicken, ricotta, half a cup of mozzarella, a quarter cup of Parmesan, pesto sauce, an egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up nicely!
- Now, it’s time to stuff the shells with your tasty mixture. Use whatever tool serves you best, a spoon, or maybe even a piping bag. Getting our dish ready is the next step. Place a nice layer of marinara sauce (about one cup) in a greased baking dish. Nestle the stuffed manicotti shells snugly on top of it.
- Moving on, drench the stuffed manicotti with another cup of marinara sauce, then generously shower the remaining cheeses on top.
- Time to bake! Hide your dish under aluminium foil and let it bake for 25 minutes.
- After that, get rid of the foil and let it bake for ten more minutes. Watch for that cheese to bubble and melt! Lastly, take your manicotti out of the oven and allow it to just chill for a bit. Dot some fresh basil leaves on before you serve it. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavour, add extra pesto or fresh herbs to the chicken mixture.
- Make sure not to overcook the manicotti shells; they should remain firm to prevent breaking while stuffing.
Enjoy this flavourful Pesto Chicken Manicotti dish! 
Tips for better Pesto Chicken Manicotti
- Recommend Fresh Pesto: Whipping up homemade pesto lends a unique zap and aroma to your Pesto Chicken Manicotti. You’ll need fresh basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil for an irresistible pesto.
- Cook Pasta Just Right: Be sure not to overcook your manicotti shells. Keeping them a bit under cooked ensures they don’t over-soften in the oven and helps them keep their shape in your dish.
- Cheese Mix for Richness: The filling’s richness comes from a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This trio provides creaminess, stretch, and that savoury kick to your Pesto Chicken Manicotti.
- Season Filling Well: Enhance your chicken and cheese filling with generous sprinklings of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This guarantees a flavourful result and defeats blandness in your Pesto Chicken Manicotti.
- Chicken Shredded Small: Aim for finely shredded chicken for easier stuffing and even distribution. It also ensures a perfect blend with the cheese and pesto.
More Tips for better Pesto Chicken Manicotti
- Fill ’em Up: A piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped will fill your manicotti shells quickly and cleanly. It helps avoid breakages and ensures well-filled shells.
- Spread Sauce for Moisture: Add some marinara sauce on the dish’s base before placing your shells. This keeps your Pesto Chicken Manicotti from drying at the bottom and prevents sticking.
- Bake with Foil: Protecting your dish with foil at the start saves the cheese from browning too rapidly. It helps reÂtain your Pesto Chicken Manicotti’s creaminess.
- Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Liven it up with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. It offers a burst of colour and freshness to your Pesto Chicken Manicotti.
- Cool Before Serving: Letting your dish sit for a bit post-bake helps the filling set and makes serving easier. Plus, it lets the flavours of the Pesto Chicken Manicotti meld together.
References
Basil: Nutrition, Health Benefits, Uses and More
Try Our Recipes