1 serving of Chicken and Mushroom Cannelloni contains 780 calories. This delicious dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be easily prepared at home.

Combining protein-rich chicken, nutrient-packed mushrooms, and carb-loaded pasta, this dish is a complete meal in itself. The iron present in mushroom and chicken helps you meet your daily requirements, while the pasta provides you with the much-needed carbohydrates.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of this dish, along with some tips to make it healthier and more delicious.

High in Calories

As mentioned earlier, one serving of Chicken and Mushroom Cannelloni contains 780 calories, which might be high for some people. However, if you're looking to bulk up or fuel up for an intense workout, this dish could be an excellent choice. To make it more calorie-friendly, you could try using low-calorie pasta or reducing the portion size. Additionally, you could pair this dish with a healthy side salad to create a balanced meal.

Good Source of Protein

Chicken is a fantastic source of protein, and this dish contains a whopping 37 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, aiding in weight loss, and keeping you full and satisfied for longer. By opting for skinless chicken and reducing the amount of cheese, you could make this dish even healthier without compromising the protein content. Additionally, you could add some quinoa or chickpeas to boost the protein content even further.

Contains Carbohydrates

Pasta is a great source of carbohydrates, which provide your body with the necessary energy to function correctly. This dish contains 91 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which is enough to fuel your body throughout the day. To make the dish more diabetes-friendly, you could try using whole wheat pasta or reducing the portion size. Additionally, you could add some leafy greens or veggies as a side dish to balance out the carb content.

Rich in Iron

Chicken and mushroom are excellent sources of iron, a mineral that's crucial for healthy blood and muscle function. One serving of this dish contains up to 33% of the daily recommended intake of iron, making it a valuable addition to your diet. To make the dish even more iron-rich, you could add some spinach or kale to it. These leafy greens are also incredibly nutrient-dense and add a delicious flavor to the dish.

Loaded with Sodium

Processed chicken and cheese are high in sodium, which can lead to water retention, high blood pressure, and other health complications. This dish contains 810 mg of sodium per serving, which is more than 30% of the daily recommended intake. To reduce the sodium content, you could opt for fresh chicken breast and use low-sodium cheese instead. Additionally, you could add more herbs and spices to the dish to enhance the flavor instead of adding salt.

High in Fat

This dish is high in fat, with up to 60 grams of fat per serving. While some amount of fat is needed for your body to function correctly, consuming too much fat can lead to weight gain and other health problems. To make the dish less fatty, you could use lean chicken breast and reduce the amount of cheese used. Additionally, you could bake the dish instead of frying it to reduce the fat content.

Contains Dairy

This dish contains cheese, a dairy product that's high in calcium and protein. However, if you're lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, this dish might not be suitable for you. To make the dish dairy-free, you could use vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether. Additionally, you could use a cashew cream or almond cheese sauce to add a creamy texture and flavor to the dish.

Gluten-free Option Available

If you're celiac or sensitive to gluten, you can make a gluten-free version of this dish using gluten-free pasta. Gluten-free pasta is widely available in stores and tastes just as delicious as regular pasta. To add more flavor and nutrition to the dish, you could use veggies like zucchini or eggplant instead of pasta. Additionally, you could opt for a gluten-free breadcrumb topping to add crunchiness and texture to the dish.

Loaded with Vegetables

This dish contains nutrient-packed vegetables like mushroom and spinach, which add flavor, texture, and nutrition to the dish. Vegetables are essential for a healthy diet and can provide you with a variety of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. To make the dish even more veggie-rich, you could add some bell peppers or carrots to it. These veggies not only add color but also add a sweet and crunchy texture to the dish. Additionally, you could make a side salad or a roasted vegetable side dish to complement the dish.

Easy to Prepare

One of the best things about this dish is that it's incredibly easy to prepare. You can make the filling ahead of time and assemble the dish right before baking it. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. To save more time in the kitchen, you could use store-bought roasted chicken or pre-cooked mushrooms. Additionally, you could make a big batch of the filling and freeze it for future use.