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Béchamel pasta bake

Pasta with chicken mince sauce and béchamel, baked to a golden top.

Béchamel pasta bake — Chicken mince
Cooking time
1 hr 31 min
Hands-on time
51 min
Free time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
Italian
Contains
Dairy, Gluten

Ingredients

4people

Amounts follow the number of people

For the pasta

For the sauce

When doubling the quantity, use a wider container, and gradually increase the salt and seasoning after tasting.

Shopping list

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling — The pasta is boiled two minutes short before the oven.
  • Hand whisk — The milk goes in gradually with constant whisking.
  • Baking dish — Takes both pasta layers with the chicken between them.
  • Food thermometer

Method

  1. Boil plenty of water and salt it well until it becomes as salty as seawater.

    8 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The water is at a rolling boil and the salt has dissolved.

    Tip: One tablespoon of salt per liter — this is the only time you season the pasta itself.

  2. Sauté the onion and ground chicken in a tablespoon of the listed butter until the chicken reaches 74°C. Stir in the tomato paste until the filling is dry; reserve the rest of the butter for the béchamel.

    15 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The thickest part reaches 74°C. Timing is a guide; continue cooking if needed.

  3. Melt the butter, add the flour and stir for two minutes, then gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking.

    12 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The béchamel sauce is thick and smooth without lumps.

    Tip: Adding the milk all at once gives lumps you can't fix — add it gradually, whisking all the time.

  4. Boil the pasta for 2 minutes less than its package directions, drain, and coat with a little béchamel.

    8 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The center is still firm.

  5. Arrange in the tray: pasta, chicken, pasta, then cover with béchamel sauce and cheese.

    8 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The béchamel sauce completely covers the surface.

  6. Bake at 190° until the top is golden brown, then let it rest before cutting.

    30 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The top is golden and a piece comes out in shape.

  7. Let the bake stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

    10 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The portions hold together.

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