Cannelloni with chicken meat

Cannelloni with chicken and creamy sauce

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the delicious world of cuisine! Today, I will share with you a captivating recipe for cannelloni with chicken that is sure to become a star in your menu. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and colors that will delight both guests and family.

The history of cannelloni is fascinating. This stuffed pasta dish became popular in the 20th century, but its roots run deep in culinary traditions, based on the idea of using pasta to wrap rich fillings. This type of dish is perfect for evenings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the cannelloni:
- 1 box of cannelloni (about 250 g)
- 1 chicken breast (about 300 g)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (400 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala (optional, for an extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Fresh dill, for garnish

For the creamy sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 500 ml of milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Nutmeg, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 50 g of crumbled feta cheese
- 100 g of grated cheese, for topping

Instructions:

1. Preparing the filling: Start by grinding the chicken breast. You can use a meat grinder or a blender to achieve a fine paste. This will help create a uniform and delicious filling.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a deep pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of butter. Heat them over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.

3. Adding the meat: Add the ground chicken to the pan. Stir constantly until the meat turns white and crumbles. This step is essential for achieving a fine texture for the filling.

4. Adding the tomatoes: Incorporate the can of tomatoes in juice, cutting the tomatoes into cubes directly in the pan. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and, if desired, garam masala for an exotic touch.

5. Filling the cannelloni: Use a spoon or a pastry bag to fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture. Place them carefully in a previously buttered baking dish.

6. Preparing the sauce: In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of butter. Add the flour and mix well, allowing it to lightly brown for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in the warm milk, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid lumps.

7. Seasoning the sauce: Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Continue stirring until the sauce begins to boil and thickens. Finally, add the sour cream and feta cheese, mixing until completely melted.

8. Finalizing the dish: Pour the creamy sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring each tube is evenly covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.

9. Gratinating: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle grated cheese on top. Leave in the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and delicious.

10. Serving: Once the dish has cooled slightly, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill. Serve warm, alongside a crisp green salad or fresh baguette to complete the meal.

Practical tips:
- If you don't have cannelloni on hand, you can use lasagna cut into smaller pieces, but the baking time will change.
- You can experiment with the filling by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.
- It is recommended to use quality feta cheese, as it will influence the flavor of the sauce.

Nutritional benefits:
This dish is rich in protein due to the chicken, while also providing calcium from the feta and cheese. The tomatoes contribute important antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has multiple health benefits.

Calories:
A serving of cannelloni with chicken and creamy sauce contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the chicken with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or pork, or even a vegetarian option with mushrooms.

2. How can I store the cannelloni to reheat later?
It is recommended to keep them in the refrigerator, covered, for a maximum of 2 days. Reheat in the oven, covered with foil, to avoid drying out.

3. What drinks pair well with this recipe?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade would perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

This recipe for cannelloni with chicken and creamy sauce is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion. Experiment with the ingredients and let your creativity shine! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: a box of cannelloni a chicken breast 2 tablespoons of olive oil a teaspoon of butter an onion 3 cloves of garlic a can of tomatoes in juice salt pepper a teaspoon of garam masala optional fresh parsley fresh dill for the sauce: 2 tablespoons of olive oil a teaspoon of butter 2 tablespoons of white flour 500 ml of milk salt pepper nutmeg 2 tablespoons of sour cream 50 g of feta cheese cheese for gratin

 Tags:  cannelloni with chicken