Chicken Manicotti Alfredo: A 30-Minute Comfort Hit

There’s something magical about creamy pasta dishes, especially when they involve tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a cozy Alfredo sauce. Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is one of those meals that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is simple enough to throw together on a Tuesday night when you’re juggling work, kids, and that mountain of laundry that somehow never shrinks.

If you’re craving comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Chicken Manicotti Alfredo recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s warm, filling, and loaded with flavor—and yes, it might make your picky eater ask for seconds (true story).

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Manicotti Alfredo

Let’s be honest—when you hear “manicotti,” you might think fussy, time-consuming, and best left to the pros. But trust me, this recipe flips the script. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

• Quick Prep – Just 15 minutes of prep time. That’s less than a single episode of your favorite show.
• Cheesy Goodness – Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta? It’s basically a cheese lover’s trifecta.
• Hearty & Satisfying – Thanks to protein-packed shredded chicken, this dish is filling without being heavy.
• Family-Friendly – Even the kids will devour it (and yes, it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for this deliciously creamy Chicken Manicotti Alfredo. Nothing fancy, just pantry staples and fridge favorites:

• Manicotti shells – 12 shells
• Cooked chicken – 2 cups, shredded (leftover rotisserie works great!)
• Ricotta cheese – 1 cup
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
• Alfredo sauce – 2 cups
• Fresh parsley – for garnish

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

How to Make Chicken Manicotti Alfredo

1. Cook the Manicotti

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook those manicotti shells just until al dente—don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with a delicate mess when you try to fill them. Drain and let them cool off while you move on.

2. Cook (or Prep) the Chicken

If you’re using raw chicken, dice and sauté it in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper—about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked. Or, skip the stove and shred up that leftover rotisserie chicken hanging out in your fridge. Win-win.

3. Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir until everything’s evenly mixed. No need to get fancy—just mix like you mean it.

4. Fill the Shells

Time for the fun part. Use a spoon (or a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy) to gently fill each manicotti shell with the creamy chicken mixture. Tip: It helps to hold one end closed with your finger while filling to keep things neat.

5. Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt a little butter and sauté some minced garlic until it smells like heaven. Add heavy cream and bring it to a low simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken slightly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Boom—homemade Alfredo sauce in minutes.

Short on time? No judgment here—store-bought Alfredo works just fine in a pinch.

6. Assemble the Dish

Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Nestle your filled manicotti into the dish in a single layer, then pour the rest of that creamy goodness over the top. Make sure every noodle is coated—dry pasta is nobody’s friend.

7. Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

8. Serve & Savor

Let the dish rest for a few minutes (if you can wait!) before serving. Sprinkle with extra parsley for that fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and get ready for happy faces around the table.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use a piping bag or a Ziploc with the tip snipped off to fill the shells—it’s cleaner and faster than a spoon.
• Make ahead friendly: You can prep the dish earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and just bake when ready.
• Shred chicken while it’s warm—it pulls apart easier and mixes better with the cheeses.
• Try a cheese blend with mozzarella and provolone for a richer flavor twist.

A Quick Family Story

This Chicken Manicotti Alfredo became a staple in our house after a chaotic Wednesday night involving piano lessons, late work emails, and a hungry toddler screaming for “cheesy pasta.” I threw this together using leftover chicken and a jar of Alfredo—and to this day, it’s one of the few meals everyone agrees on. Even my husband asked for thirds (which never happens unless dessert is involved).

FAQs About Chicken Manicotti Alfredo

Ready to Cozy Up with Chicken Manicotti Alfredo?

Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm, creamy hug after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, it hits all the right notes—comforting, satisfying, and just plain delicious.

Give it a try tonight, and don’t be surprised if it earns a regular spot on your dinner rotation. And as always, if you make it—share your spin on it with me over at Chicken Magic Recipes. I love seeing your creations!

Happy cooking,

Explore More Delicious Dishes from Chicken Magic Recipes

If you loved this Chicken Manicotti Alfredo, you’re in for a real treat. Our recipe vault is brimming with cozy, cheesy, and family-approved meals that pair perfectly with tonight’s dinner—or inspire your next one! Here are some tasty internal links you won’t want to miss:

• Craving even more creamy comfort? Don’t skip this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole—it’s a weeknight lifesaver and just as crowd-pleasing as today’s recipe.
• For a cozy fall twist that still celebrates chicken, try the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet—one pan, rich flavors, and minimal cleanup. Yes, please.
• Love rotisserie shortcuts? You’ll be obsessed with this soul-soothing Rotisserie Chicken and Mushroom Soup—perfect for chilly evenings or make-ahead lunches.
• And if you’re feeling like switching it up from pasta but want something equally indulgent, this Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate lazy-night hero.

Dive in and let your kitchen be the coziest place on earth—one chicken dish at a time.

Print