Mediterranean Chicken Manicotti
- Serving Size : 4 – 6
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Total Cooking time: 30-55 minutes
This recipe is a Mediterranean take on a traditional Italian classic dish. It is one of those recipes where the whole family can get involved in the preparation process, kids especially will love getting to stuff the manicotti tubes with the filling. It is also a great recipe to double, because it freezes well and makes a great make-ahead recipe and a healthier option in place of one of those lasagnas you find in the freezer section of your local supermarket
| Amount | Measure | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | oz | chicken breasts, cooked and diced |
| 8 | cups | crumbled feta cheese (about 2 lbs) |
| 6 | cups | mozzarella cheese |
| 8 | oz | cream cheese |
| 1/4 | cup | sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped |
| 1/4 | cup | Kalamata olives, finely chopped |
| 1 | Tbsp | chopped garlic |
| 1/2 | tsp | dried oregano |
| 1/2 | tsp | black pepper |
| 2 | cups | heavy cream |
| 1/2 | cup | butter (use real butter not margarine) |
| 1 | cup | grated dry parmesan cheese |
| 1 | pkg | Manicotti pasta prepared according |
To prepare:
Combine the chicken, feta, cream cheese, sun dried tomatoes and olives in a large bowl until thoroughly mixed. Next add in the oregano and black pepper. Stuff filling into cooked manicotti tubes and place in a single layer into a 9 x 13 baking dish. In a deep skillet or sauce pan melt the butter over medium heat until just foaming, add in the chopped garlic and stir briefly. Whisk in the heavy cream, blending well. Add in the parmesan cheese stirring constantly until thickened, adding more cheese if needed. Cover the stuffed tubes with the sauce then top with the mozzarella cheese. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake uncovered 30-35 minutes until heated thru and golden brown on top, serve with garlic bread and green salad. Note: if cooking from frozen allow 55-60 minutes until heated thru and bubbly.
