Chicken Cannelloni With Or Without Spinach Recipes

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.