Chicken Cheese and Spinach Manicotti

So Lincoln and I recently made the decision to welcome the new year with some weight loss. Both of us have really packed on the pounds since our freshmen years, leaving us feeling lethargic. Starting January 1st, Linc and I are starting a strict 1200 calorie a day intake, and 3 30-min. work outs at our complex's gym each week. 







I've never been a big fan of "health foods" so tonight I tried some recipes that were low cal. 


I searched on the Kraft Recipes webpage, which is amazing on its own (I love that it uses ingredients that are accessible and gives you a pre-made shopping list!!), and found this great Manicotti recipe that was marked as a "Healthy Choice" and "Budget Wise". It was absolutely DELICIOUS and filling and EASY! Two stuffed Manicotti shells were 370 calories and more than enough. I've never seen Lincoln NOT go up for seconds or thirds because he was full! A Christmas Miracle!! :)


We loved this recipe and I hope you give it a try!! If you have any Low Calorie or Healthy/Budget-Wise recipes, PLEASE feel free to email them to us!!

Chicken, Cheese, and Spinach Manicotti

Ingredients: 

*1-1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken breasts

*2 cloves  garlic, minced

*1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained

*1 container  (16 oz.) BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN 2% Milkfat Low Fat Cottage Cheese

*2 egg whites

*1 cup  KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

*10 manicotti shells, cooked, drained

*1-1/2 cups  spaghetti sauce

*1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Directions: 

1.) HEAT oven to 350°F.

2.) COMBINE chicken and garlic in large bowl. Add spinach, cottage cheese, egg whites and 1/4 cup mozzarella; spoon into manicotti shells.

3.) PLACE in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with spaghetti sauce.

4.) BAKE 25 to 30 min. or until heated through. Top with remaining mozzarella; bake 5 min. or until melted. Sprinkle with basil