Flavour Quest Recipes

Creamy Basil Chicken Manicotti Bake

Creamy Basil Chicken Manicotti Bake is a comforting, oven-baked pasta dish filled with tender chicken, ricotta, and fresh basil, then smothered in a creamy tomato sauce. Finished with plenty of melted cheese, this cozy bake is perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying Italian-inspired dish.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

12 Manicotti shells
2 cups Chicken, cooked, shredded or finely chopped
1½ cups Ricotta cheese
¾ cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp Black pepper
⅓ cup Fresh basil, finely chopped
1½ cups Marinara sauce
½ cup Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Olive oil or butter, for greasing dish

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook manicotti shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan, ½ cup of mozzarella, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Mix until well combined. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, stir together the marinara sauce and heavy cream to create a creamy tomato sauce.
Spoon a thin layer of sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the chicken and ricotta mixture and place seam-side down in the dish
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the filled manicotti.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔄 Variations

Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter filling

Add spinach to the filling for extra greens

Use rotisserie chicken to save time

Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce for a white-sauce version

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks

Pair with a Caesar or mixed green salad

Finish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan

Enjoy as a hearty main dish

❄️ Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through

Can be frozen before or after baking for up to 2 months

💡 Tips

Slightly undercook manicotti so they don’t tear

Use a spoon or piping bag to fill shells easily

Let the bake rest before serving to set

Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon dried basil in place of fresh.

Q: Can I make this without chicken?
A: Absolutely. Omit the chicken or replace it with spinach or mushrooms.

Q: Can I use stuffed shells instead of manicotti?
A: Yes. Jumbo shells work well with the same filling.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this recipe, you’ll love my free Comfort Dinner Guide—packed with easy, satisfying weeknight meals.