Chicken Cannelloni With Or Without Spinach Food

CHICKEN CANNELLONI (WITH OR WITHOUT SPINACH)

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.

CHICKEN CANNELLONI

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute onion, peppers, garlic, celery and mushrooms in oil until onion is tender. Add tomato paste, tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and sugar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes., Meanwhile, pound chicken breasts to 1/4-in. thickness. Combine ricotta cheese, green onions, Parmesan, parsley, pepper and remaining Italian seasoning; divide evenly and spoon on top of chicken breasts. Roll up; place seam side down in an 8-in. square baking dish. Spoon sauce over chicken., Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170°. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese; let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with pasta if desired.

CHICKEN CANNELLONI

Steps:

• To make chicken filling:.
• Cook chicken until pink is just gone - do NOT overcook!Chop finely or grind.
• Combine oil, onion, celery, carrots and parsley in saucepan and cook for 10 minutes.
• Beat egg yolks in large bowl, add parmesan and ricotta cheeses and beat until smooth. Add salt, oregano, basil, nutmeg and pepper.
• Add chicken and broth and beat until well mixed.
• This may be covered and refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.
• CHEDDAR SAUCE:.
• Melt butter in sauce pan, add flour and stir until smooth.
• Add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir in cheddar cheese until well blended and thick. Now add prepared meat sauce and cream.
• Prepare Hollandaise Sauce and add to cheddar sauce.
• Cook cannelloni shells according to package directions.
• When cool, fill each shell ( a small spoon works well) with approximately 2 tablespoons of chicken filling.
• Spoon a thin layer of sauce into two 9"x13" baking dishes.
• PLace stuffed shells in dishes side by side 5 to a row. Spoon sauce around and over stuffed shells and sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese.
• Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes until cheese is bubbling. Serve at once.
• To make ahead: prepare the entire recipe to the baking stage and freeze.