I never thought I’d fall in love with manicotti, but here we are. This easy, cheesy chicken version? Let’s just say it didn’t last long at my table. Stuffed with juicy shredded chicken and enough gooey mozzarella to make any cheese lover pause in admiration, it’s the kind of dinner that comforts without trying too hard. And the best part? You don’t have to pre-boil the shells. I know—wild. But it works. Just let the sauce and cheese do the heavy lifting. We made this on a weeknight, and even after a long day, it felt manageable. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t bark orders—it whispers, ‘Relax, you’ve got this.’ If you’re into Cheesy Baked Chicken, or you’ve been hunting for a no-fuss Cheesy Chicken Casserole, this one’s for you. It’s not just another homemade recipe, it’s the one that sticks to your ribs and gets you nods of approval around the table. Whether you’re scrolling through My Recipes list or you need a go-to for those ‘recipe dinner easy’ nights, this dish pulls its weight. It’s also a sneaky win when you want something that feels like a ‘recipe healthy easy’ but still delivers that rich, cheesy comfort. So grab your baking dish and let’s stuff some shells.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Chicken Manicotti Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Manicotti
4) How to Make Cheesy Chicken Manicotti
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Manicotti
6) Making Cheesy Chicken Manicotti Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Chicken Manicotti
8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
9) Cheesy Chicken Manicotti
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

What is the easiest way to stuff manicotti shells?
Can you bake manicotti without boiling it first?
How do you keep stuffed manicotti from drying out?
What are some great cheesy chicken recipes for weeknights?

2) Easy Cheesy Chicken Manicotti Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Manicotti recipe started as a way for me to avoid the whole boil-and-stuff routine. I wanted something comforting but without the chaos of three pots and a strainer. So we came up with this shortcut: skip the boiling, and let the oven handle it. Worked like a charm.

When I say easy, I mean “you’ll have time to set the table and sip your drink” kind of easy. This cheesy chicken recipe delivers flavor, texture, and that golden, bubbly top layer we all love. If you’re into meals that warm the soul and fill the room with “what smells so good?” this one’s for you.

I’ve tested this against other cheesy baked chicken recipes and let me just say—this cheesy chicken casserole knocks it out of the park. Simple prep, satisfying results, and a recipe that earns a spot in your go-to homemade recipe rotation.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Manicotti

Manicotti Shells: You’ll need one box of manicotti. No pre-boiling. We’re keeping it simple and letting the sauce do the work.

Shredded Chicken: Go with rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken. It should be moist and easy to shred so it blends well with the filling.

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta adds body and lightness to the stuffing. One 15-ounce container does the trick.

Shredded Mozzarella: Use two cups for inside the filling, and don’t forget a little extra for the top. You want those gooey, golden cheese pulls.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds salt and sharpness. Half a cup, finely grated, blends beautifully with the other cheeses.

Egg: Just one egg helps bind the filling together and keeps everything from spilling out when you cut into it.

Italian Seasoning: Two teaspoons add herby flavor and balance all the richness of the cheeses.

Garlic Powder: A half teaspoon brings in that garlic warmth without overpowering the dish.

Salt and Black Pepper: Season to your taste. Always taste the filling before stuffing the shells.

Marinara Sauce: One 24-ounce jar of your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce will keep the pasta moist and full of flavor.

Fresh Herbs (Optional): A sprinkle of basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness before serving.

4) How to Make Cheesy Chicken Manicotti

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. That’s your stage.

Step 2. In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and uniform.

Step 3. Grab a spoon or piping bag and gently stuff the uncooked manicotti shells with the filling. Go slow. Don’t rush or overpack them.

Step 4. Pour about one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of your dish and spread it around to coat the surface.

Step 5. Lay your stuffed shells snugly into the pan in a single layer. They should nestle next to each other like sleepy kittens.

Step 6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with that extra mozzarella for maximum cheesy drama.

Step 7. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 to crisp up that top layer.

Step 8. Let it rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped herbs if you want to feel extra proud.

5) Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Manicotti

Use uncooked manicotti. Trust me. Don’t fuss with boiling. The sauce will soften the pasta perfectly as it bakes.

Go with shredded chicken that’s not too dry. Rotisserie birds are my favorite here. They add flavor and stay juicy even after baking.

Don’t skimp on sauce. Dry pasta needs moisture to cook through, and the sauce pulls double duty by flavoring everything.

Stuff carefully. A piping bag or small spoon works well. You don’t want to tear the shells, and trust me, I’ve done it.

If you’re after more recipe dinner easy wins, this is the one you bookmark. It plays nice with sides, works well for guests, and brings that cheesy chicken recipes comfort you look for at the end of a long day.

6) Making Cheesy Chicken Manicotti Ahead of Time

You can make the entire dish in advance. Just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready, bake it as usual, but add about 10 more minutes to the covered baking time since it’ll be cold going in.

This is one of those cheesy chicken casserole meals you can count on for holiday prep or busy weeknights when you just need one less thing to think about.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Chicken Manicotti

Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the pasta soft.

Or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top to refresh that golden finish.

It’s a solid addition to your list of cheesy chicken recipes that reheat beautifully and never feel like second-day food.

8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!

9) Cheesy Chicken Manicotti