If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare, then you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Chili Cheese Manicotti. This dish combines the heartiness of chili with the creamy goodness of cheese, all stuffed into tender pasta shells. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
There are so many reasons to love this Chili Cheese Manicotti! Here are just a few:
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: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dish comes together in no time.
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: The combination of chili and cheese creates a rich and comforting flavor that everyone will enjoy.
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: You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it suitable for different tastes.
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: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
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: 15 minutes
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: 30 minutes
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: 4 servings
To make this delicious Chili Cheese Manicotti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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12 manicotti shells
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1 can (15 oz) of chili (with or without beans, your choice)
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the manicotti shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture. Don’t worry if they get a little messy; it adds character!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed manicotti shells on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
This Chili Cheese Manicotti pairs wonderfully with:
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A fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette.
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Garlic bread for dipping into that delicious sauce.
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A side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some ideas:
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: Mix in some sautéed spinach or bell peppers into your cheese filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
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: If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce to your chili.
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: For those who enjoy meat, you can add cooked ground beef or turkey into your chili before stuffing.
While nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used, here’s an approximate breakdown:
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Calories: 350
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Protein: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Fat: 15g
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Fiber: 5g
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
You can use any canned chili that you like—vegetarian, spicy, or classic beef chili all work great!
Yes! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
I hope you enjoy making this Chili Cheese Manicotti as much as I do! It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that brings comfort to any table. Happy cooking!
