Introduction

If you’re searching for a dish that combines rich flavors, comforting textures, and a touch of Greek elegance, Chicken Pastitsio with Cheese and White Sauce is your answer. This creamy, hearty casserole blends tender shredded chicken, layers of pasta, and a luscious béchamel sauce to create a mouthwatering meal that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or looking for a delicious family meal, this dish is the perfect choice for those who love hearty comfort food with a unique twist.

Why Chicken Pastitsio with Cheese and White Sauce is a Must-Try

A Grecian Classic with a Twist
Traditional pastitsio is a Greek favorite made with ground beef or lamb, pasta, and a creamy béchamel sauce. This recipe reimagines the classic by replacing the beef with shredded chicken for a lighter, yet equally flavorful, filling. The combination of savory chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly seasoned pasta makes this dish irresistible.
A Comforting Meal for Every Occasion
Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening with your family or serving it at a gathering with friends, Chicken Pastitsio is sure to satisfy. The heartiness of the dish and the comforting layers of cheese and sauce make it perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Pastitsio with Cheese and White Sauce

Table: Ingredients for Chicken Pastitsio

Ingredients	Amount	For
Penne or Ziti Pasta	1 pound (450g)	Pasta Layer
Olive Oil	2 tablespoons	Pasta Layer & Chicken Filling
Mozzarella Cheese	2 cups	Pasta Layer & Topping
Parmesan Cheese	1 cup + 1/2 cup	Pasta Layer & Topping
Shredded Chicken	1 pound (450g)	Chicken Layer
Onion	1 medium, chopped	Chicken Layer
Garlic	3 cloves, minced	Chicken Layer
Chicken Stock or Water	1/2 cup	Chicken Layer
Béchamel (Butter, Flour, Milk)	4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons flour, 4 cups milk	White Sauce
Nutmeg	1/2 teaspoon	White Sauce
Black Pepper	1/2 teaspoon	White Sauce
Breadcrumbs (Optional)	1/2 cup	Topping

How to Prepare Chicken Pastitsio with Cheese and White Sauce

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Nutritional Information

Table: Nutritional Breakdown for Chicken Pastitsio

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	20g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	350mg
Calcium	300mg

Variations and Tips

While this Chicken Pastitsio recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are several ways to customize it to suit your tastes.

Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor

Sautéed Spinach: Adding sautéed spinach or zucchini to the chicken mixture can add both flavor and color.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted peppers or mushrooms would also work beautifully in this dish.

Experiment with Cheese

Feta Cheese: For a more authentic Greek flavor, try adding crumbled feta cheese to the béchamel sauce.
Gouda or Gruyère: These cheeses melt beautifully and can add a unique flavor to the dish.

Make Ahead and Store

Chicken Pastitsio is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble the dish the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it as directed.

FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Pastitsio

Q: Is it possible to replace the chicken with a different protein?
A: Absolutely! You can use ground beef, lamb, or even a vegetarian option like lentils for a different twist.

Q: How long will Chicken Pastitsio last in the fridge?
A: The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for leftovers.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Pastitsio?
A: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Pastitsio. Just be sure to wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container. It can be stored for as long as 3 months.

Conclusion

Chicken Pastitsio with Cheese and White Sauce is a delightful twist on a Greek classic, perfect for anyone craving a comforting, cheesy casserole. The creamy béchamel sauce, tender chicken, and layers of pasta combine to create a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Whether you make it for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

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.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

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