Go Back
+ servings
Macarona Bechamel

Creamy Macarona Bechamel: Your New Family Favorite Dish

This Macarona Bechamel recipe combines creamy bechamel sauce and ground chicken with penne pasta for a nostalgic and comforting dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Egyptian, Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 250 g Macaroni Penne Pasta or elbow macaroni as a substitute
For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 tbsp Oil for sautéing
  • 0.5 cup Onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp Garlic, chopped
  • 100 g Ground Chicken substitute with ground beef or lamb
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Allspice or Garam Masala
  • 0.5 tsp Cinnamon Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste or fresh tomatoes
  • 2 tsp Capsicum, optional or bell peppers
For the Bechamel Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 500 ml Milk, lukewarm or almond milk for a lighter version
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
For the Topping
  • Mozzarella Cheese or cheddar for different flavor
  • 1 pinch Oregano optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground chicken, paprika, allspice, cinnamon, and salt. Cook until the chicken is browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and optional capsicum, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ½ cup of all-purpose flour to create a roux, stirring for about 2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add ½ liter of lukewarm milk, whisking continuously for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the chicken mixture. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta-chicken mixture and half of the bechamel sauce. Repeat layers and top with leftover bechamel, mozzarella cheese, and oregano.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Broil for an additional 5 minutes for a crispy finish.
  6. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Rinse the pasta to prevent mushiness, control moisture in the chicken mixture, and whisk continuously for a smooth bechamel. Can be prepared a day in advance.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!