Cannelloni with chicken meat

Chicken Cannelloni with Bechamel Sauce - A Delicious Recipe for Unforgettable Evenings

On a quiet evening, when the craving for a comforting dish takes over, nothing compares to a platter of cannelloni stuffed with chicken and topped with a creamy bechamel sauce. This recipe is not just a delicious meal; it’s a journey into culinary tradition, where pasta and sauces intertwine to create a perfect gastronomic experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 20 cannelloni tubes
- 1 chicken breast from Agricola Bacău (about 400 g)
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 glass of semi-dry white wine
- 300 ml tomato juice
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese

For the Bechamel Sauce:
- 50 g butter
- 50 g all-purpose flour
- 900 ml warm milk
- Salt to taste

A Brief History of Cannelloni

Cannelloni, these delicious pasta tubes, were invented to provide an ingenious way to fill and enjoy various combinations of ingredients. They are often stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and rich sauces like bechamel or salsa contribute to creating fully comforting meals. Over time, cannelloni has become a favorite in many cuisines, and today's recipe adds a personal touch with chicken and Mediterranean flavors.

Preparing the Chicken Filling

1. Heat the pan: Start by placing a pan over medium heat and add the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
2. Sauté the onion: Add the chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into small cubes and add it to the pan. Stir well to ensure the meat browns evenly.
4. Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chopped basil, then pour in the glass of semi-dry white wine. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
5. Incorporate the tomato juice: Once the chicken is well cooked, add the tomato juice and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.

Preparing the Bechamel Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In another pan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the flour: Once the butter has melted, add the flour and quickly stir with a spatula to form a roux. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown it.
3. Incorporate the milk: Gradually pour in the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season: Add a pinch of salt to taste and mix well.

Assembling the Cannelloni

1. Fill the tubes: Using a spoon or a filling device, fill each cannelloni tube with the chicken mixture. Carefully arrange them in a baking dish.
2. Layer with sauce: Start by pouring a thin layer of bechamel sauce at the bottom of the dish, then place the filled tubes. Continue with another layer of bechamel sauce and sprinkle grated Parmesan.
3. Overlap layers: If the dish allows, you can create two layers of overlapping tubes, alternating with bechamel sauce and Parmesan. Ensure the top layer consists of sauce and grated Parmesan for a delicious crust.
4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Practical Tips

- Adjusting baking time: Every oven is different, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the cannelloni in the last few minutes of baking to achieve the perfect color.
- Extra bechamel sauce: If you desire a richer sauce, you can double the quantities of the bechamel ingredients for added creaminess.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Create a mix of ground beef, vegetables, or even ricotta cheese with spinach for a vegetarian option.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This chicken cannelloni recipe contains approximately 550 calories per serving, making it an excellent source of protein thanks to the chicken breast. Additionally, the bechamel sauce provides calcium from the milk, while the basil adds antioxidants and fresh flavors. It’s a balanced meal that can be enjoyed with pleasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can replace cannelloni with lasagna, but the baking time will vary.
2. How can I store leftovers? You can keep the cannelloni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
3. What can I serve alongside cannelloni? A fresh green salad or a crispy baguette are excellent choices to complement the meal.

Serving

For an extra touch of refinement, serve the cannelloni with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves on top. This detail will not only enhance the visual appeal but also intensify the flavors of the dish.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hesitate to let your imagination run wild and create this delicious chicken cannelloni recipe. A meal full of flavor, warmth, and tradition awaits you! Enjoy your meal!