Cannelloni with chicken meat

Cannelloni with Chicken Meat

If you're looking for a recipe that brings joy to your table and impresses everyone, look no further. These cannelloni with chicken meat are not only delicious but also a lighter alternative to classic lasagna. With a savory mix of meat, vegetables, and sauces, this dish will bring a touch of warmth to every bite.

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

Ingredients

For the cannelloni:
- 200 g cannelloni (pasta tubes)

For the meat filling:
- 300 g chicken breast
- 2 medium carrots
- 3 green onions
- 300 ml tomato juice
- Salt, pepper, paprika (to taste)
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil

For the béchamel sauce:
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 500 ml milk
- Salt (to taste)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)

For decoration:
- 150 g mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 100 g cheese (grated)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the meat filling:
Start by finely chopping the chicken breast. It's essential to get small pieces for even cooking. Peel and finely grate the carrots to integrate perfectly into the filling.
In a deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped green onions and grated carrots, letting them sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.

2. Adding the meat:
Add the chopped chicken breast to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add the finely chopped rosemary. Let everything fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Cooking and enriching the filling:
After the meat has browned, add a cup of water and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Then, pour in the tomato juice and continue cooking until the meat is well done and the mixture becomes thicker. If necessary, you can add more water or tomato juice to keep the filling from being too dry.

4. Preparing the béchamel sauce:
In a separate pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and mix well to form a roux, letting it cook slightly until it becomes light golden. Then, gradually pour in the milk, continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Season with salt and nutmeg, letting the sauce boil until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

5. Assembling the cannelloni:
In a ceramic baking dish, add a generous layer of béchamel sauce to cover the bottom. Fill each cannelloni tube with the meat filling using a spoon or a special filling device. Place the filled cannelloni in the dish, then cover them with another layer of béchamel sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and appetizing.

Useful Tips

- Variations of the filling: You can replace the chicken breast with turkey or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option. Add spinach or mushrooms for a different taste and texture.
- Béchamel sauce: For a more flavorful béchamel sauce, you can add some chopped garlic or herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Serving: These cannelloni are delicious served alongside a fresh salad or a side of steamed vegetables. A glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This chicken cannelloni recipe is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the chicken breast. Carrots add vitamins and fiber, while the béchamel sauce provides calcium from the milk and butter. In total, each serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used and the serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can cannelloni be filled with other ingredients?
Yes, you can experiment with various fillings, including vegetables, cheeses, or ground beef.

2. Can I use cannelloni instead of lasagna?
Absolutely! Cannelloni are a wonderful alternative to lasagna and can be filled with the same ingredients.

3. What is the best way to store leftover cannelloni?
If you have leftover cannelloni, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

These cannelloni with chicken meat are a perfect choice for family dinners or to impress friends at a festive meal. So don’t hesitate, put on your apron, and let the magic of cooking take over! Enjoy your meal!