Baked Farfalle

Delicious Baked Farfalle with Chicken, Broccoli, and Mushrooms

Welcome to the culinary world filled with flavors and colors! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a baked farfalle recipe, a perfect combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, and meat, all covered with a creamy béchamel sauce. It is a dish that blends textures and tastes, making it ideal for a family meal or a special occasion.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 250 g farfalle (or preferred pasta)
- 200 g boneless chicken thighs
- 200 g fresh sausages
- 400 g broccoli (about one large bunch)
- 400 g champignon mushrooms
- 200 g grated Parmesan
- 1 mozzarella
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon of chili paste

For the béchamel sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 g flour
- 250 g milk
- Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

A Brief History

Farfalle, also known as "butterflies," are pasta of Italian origin, loved for their distinctive shape. They are often used in recipes that include creamy sauces or vegetables. Combining them with meat and cheese adds extra flavor and consistency. Béchamel sauce, an essential element of French cuisine, pairs perfectly with the pasta, providing a silky texture.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of water with a tablespoon of salt to a boil. When the water reaches boiling point, add the farfalle and let them cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Place them in a bowl and let them drain well.

2. Cooking the vegetables:
Meanwhile, heat a pan with a bit of olive oil. Add the peeled and crushed garlic cloves along with the chili paste. These will provide an intense aroma. Wash the broccoli and cut it into florets, then add it to the pan. Cover with a lid and let it soften over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. When it becomes tender, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Now, add the sliced mushrooms (about 5 mm thick) to the same pan. Sauté them until they reduce in volume and turn golden. Then, remove them and set them aside.

3. Preparing the meat:
In the same pan, add a bit of olive oil and heat. Cut the chicken thighs into small pieces and the sausages into rounds. Add them to the pan and fry until browned and fully cooked. Be sure to season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Béchamel sauce:
To prepare the béchamel sauce, heat the olive oil in a small pot. When hot, add the flour and whisk quickly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the taste of raw flour. Then, gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt and nutmeg and let the sauce simmer on low heat until it thickens.

5. Assembling the dish:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked farfalle, broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, and cooked meat with the béchamel sauce. Add the diced mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Check the taste and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.

6. Baking:
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top for a crispy and delicious layer. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and well browned.

Serving

Serve the farfalle hot, straight from the oven, to enjoy its irresistible aroma. You can accompany this dish with a fresh vegetable salad or a glass of dry white wine, which will enhance the flavors of the dish.

Practical Tips

- If you don't have time to make the béchamel sauce from scratch, feel free to use a store-bought version. It's a quick and efficient solution!
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach, depending on your preferences.
- For an even more intense flavor, add spices like dried basil or oregano to the pasta mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, you can replace regular farfalle with whole grain varieties to add more fiber and nutrients to the dish.

How can I make the recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the meat and sausages and add more vegetables or tofu to create a vegetarian version.

How long can I store leftovers?
Baked farfalle can be kept in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 2-3 days. You can reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

This baked farfalle recipe with chicken, broccoli, and mushrooms is not only delicious but also very versatile. It can be adapted based on the ingredients you have on hand and will surely impress everyone who savors it. Try it and enjoy a meal full of flavor that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!