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Macarona Bechamel (Cheesy Baked Bechamel Pasta) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 66 reviews

Macarona Bechamel is a delectable Middle Eastern-inspired baked pasta dish featuring tender macaroni mixed with flavorful spiced ground chicken, all enveloped in a creamy homemade bechamel sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal hearty meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Meat Mixture

  • 400 g Macaroni Penne Pasta
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp garlic, chopped
  • 100 g ground chicken
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp all spice (garam masala)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp capsicum, chopped

Bechamel Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 liter (500 ml) milk
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Topping

  • Mozzarella cheese, enough to cover (approx. 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded)
  • 1 pinch oregano
  • Few chunks of capsicum for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Macaroni Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the macaroni penne pasta. Cook for about 8 minutes over medium-high heat until the pasta is 95% cooked. Drain the pasta and rinse with tap water to release excess starch and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Chicken Mixture: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped garlic and onions until they turn translucent and slightly golden. Add ground chicken, cooking until it changes color. Stir in paprika, garam masala, cinnamon powder, and salt, cooking the spices for 1 to 2 minutes on medium heat to remove raw flavor. Mix in tomato paste thoroughly. Add capsicum chunks, cover the pan, and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes to cook flavors through.
  3. Make Bechamel Sauce: In a separate pan over low heat, melt butter, then add the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously to brown the flour slightly, creating a nutty roux paste. Gradually whisk in milk to avoid lumps, stirring constantly to form a smooth thick sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking on low heat while whisking until sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Mix the cooked macaroni pasta with the prepared chicken mixture thoroughly.
  5. Layer the Casserole: In a casserole or baking dish, spread a layer of the macaroni-chicken mixture, then pour a generous layer of bechamel sauce over it. Repeat layers if desired, finishing with a layer of bechamel on top.
  6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer, scatter some capsicum chunks for color, and lightly sprinkle oregano for aroma and flavor.
  7. Bake the Dish: Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. Place the assembled pasta dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. For a beautifully browned and roasted top, broil the dish for an additional 5 minutes at the end.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and allow the dish to settle for 5 minutes. Cut into cubes and serve warm for a rich and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Be sure to not overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue cooking during baking.
  • Rinsing pasta after boiling helps reduce starch and prevents clumping.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results.
  • You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef if preferred.
  • Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the bechamel sauce enhances its flavor.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Keywords: baked pasta, bechamel sauce, macaroni casserole, ground chicken, cheesy pasta bake, Macarona Bechamel

Find it online: https://heutigemahlzeiten.com/macarona-bechamel-cheesy-baked-bechamel-pasta-recipe/