Cannelloni with chicken
Chicken Cannelloni: An Italian Delight Cooked with Love
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Chicken cannelloni is a recipe that wonderfully combines textures and flavors! This dish is popular in Italian cuisine and has won the hearts of many for its versatility and exceptional taste. The delicious chicken filling, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese create an explosion of flavors in every bite. Moreover, it is a perfect recipe to impress guests or for a family dinner.
Necessary Ingredients
For the meat filling:
- 200 g cannelloni pasta
- 1 large chicken breast
- 3 green onions
- 100 ml chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 350 ml tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the béchamel sauce:
- 600 ml milk
- 2.5 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Half a teaspoon of nutmeg
- 150 g grated cheese (we recommend Delaco for a rich flavor)
Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Filling
1. Wash and prepare the chicken: Start by washing the chicken breast well, then debone it and cut it into small cubes. This technique will help achieve a uniform and easy-to-handle filling.
2. Heat the oil: In a pot, add the olive oil and let it heat over medium heat.
3. Sauté the onion: Slice the green onion into thin rounds and add it to the pot. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
4. Add the meat: Add the chicken cubes to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid sticking.
5. Add the liquids and spices: Pour in the chicken broth and 300 ml of tomato juice, then season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and rosemary. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally; if the sauce reduces too much, you can add a little water.
Step 2: Preparing the Béchamel Sauce
1. Melt the butter: In another pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour: Sifting the flour is essential to avoid lumps. Add the sifted flour to the melted butter and let it cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
3. Incorporate the milk: Remove the pot from heat and gradually start adding the cold milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Put the pot back on heat and boil the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Adjust salt and nutmeg to taste.
Step 3: Assembling the Cannelloni
1. Prepare the dish: Take a baking dish and pour a thin layer of béchamel sauce at the bottom. This layer will prevent the pasta from sticking and will add moisture.
2. Fill the cannelloni: Use a spoon or a filling device to fill each cannelloni with the chicken mixture. If you don’t want to fill all the cannelloni at once, you can keep the meat mixture in the fridge for later use.
3. Assemble the dish: Carefully place the filled cannelloni in the prepared dish, then pour another layer of béchamel sauce on top. Grate cheese on top, making sure to cover evenly.
4. Add the remaining tomato juice: Pour the remaining tomato juice on top, which will add extra flavor and keep the dish moist during baking.
Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Bake the dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top becomes golden and appetizing.
3. Serve with love: Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve hot. The cannelloni are delicious alongside a fresh green salad or crispy bread.
Useful Tips
- Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh chicken and seasonal vegetables for the best flavors.
- Vary the filling: You can replace the chicken with turkey or even a vegetarian filling, such as ricotta cheese and spinach, for a meatless option.
- Store leftovers: If you have leftover filling, you can use it in sandwiches or to fill other types of pasta.
Nutritional Information
This dish provides a good source of protein from chicken, calcium from cheese, and fiber from vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, but this may vary depending on the amount of cheese and oil used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought cannelloni pasta?: Yes, store-bought cannelloni pasta is perfect for this recipe and does not require pre-cooking.
2. How can I make the béchamel sauce easier?: You can use store-bought ready-made béchamel sauce to save time, although homemade offers a more authentic taste.
3. Can I prepare the dish in advance?: Absolutely! You can assemble the cannelloni a day in advance and bake them when needed.
Serving Suggestions
This savory dish pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a fresh fruit cocktail. An arugula salad with parmesan and lemon dressing will add a fresh touch and balance the richness of the dish.
Chicken cannelloni is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. We wish you good appetite and wonderful moments in the kitchen!
Ingredients: cannelloni pasta - 200 g for the filling a large chicken breast 3 green onions 100 ml chicken broth salt pepper hot paprika rosemary 350 ml tomato juice oil béchamel sauce made from 600 ml milk, two and a half tablespoons of flour, one tablespoon of butter, nutmeg, salt + Delaco cheese
