Béchamel Pasta Recipe – How to Prepare Pasta with Béchamel Sauce

Béchamel Pasta Recipe – How to Prepare Pasta with Béchamel Sauce

Béchamel Pasta is a Western dish that has become a favorite in Eastern restaurants due to its ease of preparation and delicious taste. Loved by both adults and children, this dish is characterized by its creamy, melted cheese and is always served hot.

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Ingredients for Béchamel Pasta (Serves 8):

 

Pasta:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of pasta (oval, penne, or shell-shaped varieties).

Tomato Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon mixed spices (to taste)

Filling:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) minced red meat
• 200 grams (7 oz) chicken breast
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon mixed spices
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 chicken stock cubes (Maggi)

Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups liquid milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 chicken stock cube (Maggi)
• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) Kashkaval cheese

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Preparation Steps:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Boil the pasta for about 15 minutes or until cooked. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   Heat oil in a pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion turns light golden. Add the chopped tomato, spices, and salt. Pour in 1 cup of water and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Gradually add the sauce to the cooked pasta, stirring well to ensure the pasta absorbs all the flavors. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling:
   In a medium-sized pan, heat the butter and a little oil. Add the chicken (cut into large cubes), onion, and garlic, and sauté until fully cooked. Season with spices, salt, and chicken stock cubes. Cook for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously with a wire whisk to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Cook for 5 minutes, then set aside.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • In a large Pyrex dish, spread a layer of pasta evenly on the bottom.
   • Pour 1 cup of béchamel sauce over the pasta layer.
   • Add a layer of the filling and sprinkle some grated cheese on top.
   • Repeat the layering process (pasta, filling, béchamel sauce) and finish with a generous layer of grated cheese on top.
   • Add small pieces of butter over the surface for extra flavor.

6. Bake:
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the dish for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

7. Serve Hot:
   Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful béchamel pasta with your family and friends!

Bon appétit!