Creamy Chicken Bechamel Pasta Bake - Weeknight Recipes! | ChunsBuns

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned chicken

Canned chicken is less expensive and saves prep time.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil offers a healthier fat option.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, while the cornstarch thickens the sauce.

Fry onions or shallots in butter or olive oil until soft.

Add fresh garlic and fry with the onions.

Add chicken mince, breaking it up, and season with salt and white pepper.

Cook until chicken is browned, then add canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, mixed herbs, and basil.

Let the mixture simmer on low heat.

In a separate pan, combine butter and flour, stirring continuously until it turns a toasty color.

Pour in cold milk while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Season the béchamel sauce with white pepper, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Taste the chicken and tomato sauce for seasoning and stir in the béchamel sauce.

Toss thin pasta with a little butter.

Layer half of the pasta in a baking dish, followed by the creamy chicken mixture, some cheese, the remaining pasta, and the rest of the creamy sauce.

Top with a final layer of cheese, sprinkle with parsley and chili flakes.

Bake until brown and bubbling.

Cover and let rest for approximately 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens