Heart-Healthy Chicken Manicotti

Indulge in a comforting yet nutritious meal with this Heart-Healthy Chicken Manicotti, a wholesome twist on a classic Italian favorite. This recipe features tender whole-wheat manicotti shells stuffed with a flavorful mixture of lean, diced chicken breast, vibrant vegetables like spinach and red bell peppers, and creamy part-skim ricotta cheese. Seasoned with fragrant herbs like basil and oregano, this dish is topped with no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and a sprinkle of low-fat mozzarella for a lighter yet satisfying finish. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this low-sodium and protein-packed dinner is perfect for anyone seeking a heart-smart yet delicious meal option. Serve with a crisp side salad for a complete and balanced dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces whole-wheat manicotti shells
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups spinach, fresh
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, no salt added
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the whole-wheat manicotti shells according to package instructions, ensuring they are al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breast and cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let it cool. Once cool, dice the chicken into small pieces.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Saute the onion and red bell pepper until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the garlic and spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach is wilted. Add the diced cooked chicken back to the skillet and mix well.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and allow to simmer for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors meld. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Step 7

In a mixing bowl, combine the part-skim ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and egg white. Stir in the cooled vegetable and chicken mixture. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper.

Step 8

Stuff each manicotti shell with the chicken and ricotta mixture, and place them in a single layer in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

Pour the crushed tomatoes evenly over the stuffed shells.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and sprinkle low-fat mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is golden.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy chicken manicotti!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2502.3 grams (2502.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4339

Total Fat 105.10g	135%
Saturated Fat 39.30g	197%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 556mg	185%
Sodium 3141mg	137%
Total Carbohydrate 539.00g	196%
Dietary Fiber 62.20g	222%
Total Sugars 41.40g
Protein 319.10g	638%

Vitamin D 23IU	114%
Calcium 2056mg	158%
Iron 32mg	178%
Potassium 5386mg	115%

*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: 21.6%

Protein: 29.2%

Carbs: 49.2%