MANICOTTI STUFFED WITH CHICKEN & VEGETABLES

Manicotti stuffed with Chicken & Vegetables image

Provided by Darci Juris

Categories Pasta

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 21

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1 pkg manicotti shells
2 boneless chicken breasts
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 small yellow squash, chopped
1/4 c green onions, chopped
1/2 c red onion, chopped
1 c eggplant, chopped
1 c mushrooms, chopped
4 clove garlic, minced
1 c mozzarella cheese, grated
4 c ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp olive oil
SAUCE INGREDIENTS
2 can(s) diced tomatoes (15oz each)
2 can(s) tomato sauce (15oz each)
1 Tbsp each of basil, oregano and parsley (dried)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tsp sugar
1/4 c heavy whipping cream
1/4 c red wine

Steps:

1. Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain and set aside to let cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all the chopped vegetables. Over medium heat, sauté the vegetables until tender. Set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake chicken for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. You may season with oregano, basil and parsley if you like. While chicken is cooking, start the sauce.
4. Over medium-high heat, in a large sauce pan, add all the sauce ingredients and blend well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sauce will thicken up. (the longer the better if you can spare 60 minutes)
5. When chicken is done, either chop finely with a knife, or put in a food processor. Next, in a large bowl, mix chicken with the vegetable medley. Add the ricotta cheese and blend well.
6. Take the manicotti shells, one at a time, and gently stuff the chicken mixture into the shells, filling as much as possible. Be careful not to tear the shells. Is easiest to use your hands.
7. Place the shells in a casserole dish. When sauce is ready, pour over the top of the pasta. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. For the last few minutes in the oven, add the mozzarella cheese on top. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes.
8. Tip: If you like a lot of sauce, I recommend you make extra to pour over the top of each serving.