Vegetarian Chicken Manicotti

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Vegetarian Chicken Manicotti, a hearty dish that blends classic Italian cuisine with a plant-based twist. Tender manicotti shells are generously filled with a savory mixture of plant-based chicken, creamy ricotta, sautéed spinach, and parmesan, then baked to perfection under a blanket of marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing vegetarian option, this dish offers a satisfying balance of rich, cheesy goodness and wholesome, protein-packed ingredients. Ready in just an hour, this baked pasta recipe is ideal for those seeking a meat-free comfort food option that's both flavorful and satisfying.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti shells
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces plant-based chicken strips, chopped
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4

Add the plant-based chicken strips to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Step 5

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 6

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well, then stir in the cooled plant-based chicken and spinach mixture. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 7

Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the ricotta and chicken mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 8

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti shells over the sauce.

Step 9

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the manicotti shells, making sure they are well covered.

Step 10

Sprinkle the mozzarella and the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 11

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 13

Let the Vegetarian Chicken Manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1981.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3733.4

Total Fat 139.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 538.3mg	0%
Sodium 5257.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 421.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.1g	0%
Total Sugars 27.6g
Protein 206.2g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 3132.4mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 2234.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.3%

Protein: 21.9%

Carbs: 44.8%