Spinach Chicken Manicotti

Total Time

Prep: 1 hour Bake: 35 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jan. 31, 2023
Pepper and nutmeg spice up the rich sauce in this hearty chicken and spinach manicotti. I made this for my boyfriend on our first Valentine’s Day. It was a big success—now we're married! —Amy Luce, Dallas, Texas
Spinach Chicken Manicotti Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2-1/2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 3/4 cup diced fully cooked lean ham
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Dash ground nutmeg
  • 12 uncooked manicotti shells
  • SAUCE:
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup fat-free milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Dash cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. In a small skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic, cook 1 minute longer. In a large bowl, combine the onion mixture, chicken, spinach, ham, cheese, egg whites, basil, pepper and nutmeg; set aside.
  2. Cook manicotti shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, for sauce, combine flour and broth in a large saucepan until smooth; gradually stir in the milk, salt, nutmeg, pepper and cayenne. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Spoon 1 cup into chicken mixture. Add cheese to remaining sauce.
  3. Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Drain shells; stuff with chicken mixture. Arrange over sauce. Drizzle with remaining sauce. Cover and bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
Chicken and Spinach Manicotti Tips

Do you have to wait for the manicotti shells to cool before stuffing?

You don't have to wait for the manicotti shells to cool entirely before stuffing; however, if you allow them to do so, then they will be easier to handle.

How can you stuff the manicotti with the chicken and spinach mixture?

To stuff manicotti with the chicken and spinach mixture, use a spoon to scoop it into the pasta shell. You also can cut off the corner of a plastic bag and pipe in the filling, the same way you would frost a cupcake.

What can you serve with chicken and spinach manicotti?

Serve chicken and spinach manicotti with a loaf of cheesy Italian bread and a side of veggies, such as Mediterranean salad or grilled zucchini.

—Sammi DiVito, Taste of Home Assistant Editor

Nutrition Facts

2 each: 372 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 866mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.