Best 2 Chicken Cannelloni With Or Without Spinach Recipes

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Cannelloni is a large cylindrical pasta that is often filled with various ingredients, topped with a sauce, and baked. Chicken cannelloni is a classic dish that can be made with or without spinach. The spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients to the dish, while the chicken provides protein and flavor. This dish is a great option for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. Several recipes are available for chicken cannelloni with or without spinach, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your taste and dietary preferences.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHICKEN CANNELLONI (WITH OR WITHOUT SPINACH)



Chicken Cannelloni (With or Without Spinach) image

I'm not even sure where this recipe came from, it's been around so long. It sounds complicated, but it's really pretty simple, and goes together pretty quickly. And leftovers are great! If I'm making this for grownups, I add spinach, but if it's a family meal, I leave the spinach out. Sometimes, I will let the chicken marinate in white wine and thyme overnight before I begin.

Provided by Lightly Toasted

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 2h30m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken (I use a mix of breasts and thighs)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 dry white wine
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 lb frozen spinach, rinsed and drained well (optional)
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 cups milk (I sometimes use evaporated skimmed milk for a creamier taste)
12 -15 egg roll wraps
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, simmer the chicken breasts, onion, broth, wine, and thyme, until chicken is done.
  • Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and allow them to cool slightly.
  • While the chicken breasts are cooling, strain the chicken broth to remove the onions and thyme.
  • Reserve the broth into a large saucepan.
  • Put the onions and thyme into your food processor.
  • Chop or tear the chicken into big chunks, and put into food processor with the onions and thyme.
  • Pulse the chicken in the food processor until finely chopped (you may need to divide the chicken into 2 batches).
  • (I've also used my old, heavy meat grinder for this).
  • Prepare spinach, if using. Wash well, chop, and lightly sauté in a saucepan with 2 tbs olive oil until done to your preference. I personally don't like "mushy" spinach. You may also substitute frozen chopped spinach, but be sure to squeeze it out really well.
  • In a large bowl, mix the chicken/onion mixture with the ricotta and cottage cheese, spinach, 1/2 c parmesan, nutmeg, and white pepper.
  • Mix thoroughly; set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter.
  • Whisk in flour, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn.
  • Whisk in the reserved chicken broth, stirring constantly.
  • Add the wine, and then the milk, stirring constantly, until sauce is velvety-smooth.
  • Simmer, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes, while you start to assemble the canneloni.
  • Assemble the canneloni: Lay 4-5 egg roll wraps out on the counter.
  • Place approx 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken/cheese filling on center of wrap, and roll up, setting aside.
  • Repeat until you're done.
  • When sauce is done simmering, pour approx 1 cup sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Tilt, to make sure it's spread evenly.
  • Arrange canneloni in dish, and top with remaining sauce.
  • Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup parmesan.
  • Cover with foil, and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.
  • During last 10 minutes, take the foil off so that the parmesan browns.
  • Allow to sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

GROUND CHICKEN AND SPINACH CANNELLONI



Ground Chicken and Spinach Cannelloni image

This is a lovely recipe that I found on the net. I made changes as I saw fit. It can also be made with ground turkey.

Provided by love4culinary

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 10 Cannelloni, 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup chopped onion
5 cloves garlic, minced
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
15 ounces tomato sauce (use your favorite)
1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
10 large egg roll wraps
1 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • First take out a skillet and saute ground chicken, onion and garlic.
  • Using a spatula, make sure you break up the chicken making sure there are no chunks.
  • Allow mixture to cook for approximately 5 minutes until it is nicely browned and remove from heat.
  • Add your spinach, salt, pepper and 1/2 of your parm.
  • cheese to the chicken and thoroughly combined.
  • In a bowl, combine your tomato sauce with your herbs, adding additional herbs if you desire.
  • Take our a baking dish and put a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Place a small amount (about 1/3 cup) of your chicken mixture into your egg roll wrapper.
  • You will want to make a bunched line with the mixture closer to one side of the wrapper, making sure that you are placing it lengthwise down the longer side of the wrapper.
  • Fold the shorter side of the wrapper in (the side that runs lengthwise next to the mixture) completely over the mixture, and then fold over both sides of the wrapper that run the other direction.
  • Then you will want to go to the end with the mixture and start folding (rolling) it tightly to make a cylinder.
  • Make sure that when you come to the end of the last edge, that it is sealed tightly.
  • Place the closed, filled wrappers into your baking dish and top with the remaining sauce and parm cheese.
  • Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese and the 1/2 cup of mozzerella cheese.
  • Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheese. A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Asiago, fontina, or provolone.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. The pasta should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Use a large pot to cook the pasta. This will help to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  • Let the pasta cool slightly before filling it. This will make it easier to handle.
  • Use a piping bag to fill the cannelloni. This will help to create uniform cannelloni.
  • Bake the cannelloni until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will take about 20 minutes.
  • Serve the cannelloni immediately. This dish is best when served hot.

Conclusion:

Chicken cannelloni is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. By following the tips above, you can create a cannelloni dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish for a dinner party, chicken cannelloni is a great choice.

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