Ingredients:
2 cups chicken, cooked and diced
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmagiana cheese, divided
One 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups half and half
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
One jar of 825 MAIN Marinara Sauce
12 manicotti, cooked and rinsed in cold water
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a medium size bowl combine the ricotta, 1/2 of the cup parmagiana cheese, eggs, and mozzarella. Stir in the basil, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, and chicken until well combined. Set the filling aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, and the rest of the salt. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly just until the mixture starts to brown. Whisk in the half and half, stirring until becomes thick. Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the parmagiana cheese and nutmeg. Pour into large casserole dish, spreading around to completely to coat the bottom.
- Place the filling into a large zip lock bag. Clip one corner and fill the manicotti from both sides and place over the white sauce. Repeat with the remaining manicotti and the filling. Pour the 825 MAIN Marinara Sauce over manicotti evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella (or more if you like). Bake for about 25 minutes or until the filling is heated through.