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Chicken Pastitsio with Cheese and White Sauce

Ouissam Recipes
Chicken Pastitsio with Cheese and White Sauce is a comforting, Greek-inspired dish that layers tender pasta, savory shredded chicken, and a creamy béchamel sauce, topped with melted cheese for a golden finish. It’s a rich, hearty meal that combines the flavors of traditional pastitsio with the lightness of chicken, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine Greek
Servings 8 people

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Cooking spoon
  • Strainer for pasta
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 450 g Shredded Chicken
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • ½ cup Chicken Stock or Water
  • Béchamel (Butter, Flour, Milk) 4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons flour, 4 cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon Nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ½ cup Breadcrumbs (Optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cooking the Pasta Layer
    The foundation of Chicken Pastitsio is the pasta. Opt for penne or ziti pasta, which hold the creamy white sauce well, creating the perfect texture and flavor combination.
    Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions, ensuring it is al dente. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy once layered with the other ingredients.
    Coat with Olive Oil: After draining the pasta, toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Preparing the Chicken Filling
    The chicken filling adds savory depth to the dish and is what sets this recipe apart from traditional pastitsio. The shredded chicken is seasoned and simmered to perfection.
    Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until tender and fragrant.
    Season the Chicken: Add shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet, along with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes, adding chicken stock or water to keep the chicken moist.
  • Making the Creamy Béchamel Sauce
    The béchamel sauce is what brings everything together, adding a rich, velvety texture that coats the chicken and pasta.
    Create the Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in flour to make a roux.Add Milk Gradually: Slowly whisk in warm milk to avoid lumps, cooking until thick and creamy.
    Season and Add Cheese: Season with nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Stir in Parmesan and cheddar cheese for an extra creamy finish.
  • Assembling Chicken Pastitsio
    Now that your ingredients are ready, it’s time to layer them into a baking dish.
    Layer the Ingredients: Start with half of the cooked pasta at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Follow with the chicken mixture, then pour half of the béchamel sauce on top. Add the remaining pasta and finish with the rest of the sauce.
    Top with Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top for a crispy, golden finish.
  • Baking the Dish
    Baking brings everything together, allowing the layers to meld and the cheese to bubble up to perfection.
    Bake at 375°F: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
    Optional Crisping: If you prefer a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different cheeses like feta or Gouda to personalize the dish to your liking.
Keyword Chicken Pastitsio Recipe, Chicken Patitsion with White Sauce and Cheese, Greek Patitsio Recipe