Dinner: Spinach and Chicken Manicotti

A wonderful combination of pasta, ricotta and marble cheese, tender chicken breast and leafy spinach covered with a perfect tomato sauce.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 60 mins

Total Time: 70 mins

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast, Spinach

Health benefits of Spinach and Chicken Manicotti

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

2 oz manicotti pasta
1/2 cup marble cheese
1/4 cup fat free ricotta cheese
1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
2 tbsps garlic powder
2 tsps ground oregano
3 tbsps pepper
1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
2 cups spinach

Instructions

1. Boil the manicotti pasta in water for about 6 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, mix together the ricotta cheese, spinach, chicken and spices to taste (add chili powder too if you like).

3. Drain the pasta carefully and as soon as you can handle touching them, lay out on the counter to avoid crushing and getting stuck together.

4. Holding the noodles with your finger blocking one end and cupping the rest, gently stuff them with the spinach mixture with a fork.

5. Place them in rows in a greased pan (Pam works great). Cover with spaghetti sauce.

6. Add 1/2 cup water to baking dish and cover with tinfoil (this will let the pasta absorb the additional moisture.)

7. Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 25 minutes and remove the cover.

8. Sprinkle with cheese of your choice and bake until almost all additional moisture is gone and the cheese is nice and gooey. Serve with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.