For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Homemade Bechamel sauce truly elevates this dish. For a quicker option, a high-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce can be substituted, but be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or spinach would all be delicious additions. If you don't have penne pasta, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work well. To make the Bechamel sauce, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms (a roux). Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Keara Stroman
Jan 29, 2025I found the sauce a bit too thick, so I added a little more pasta water until it reached the right consistency. Other than that, it was perfect!
Joannie Purdy
Oct 25, 2024I've made this a few times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The artichokes and olives add a nice briny counterpoint to the richness of the sauce.
Eveline Hettinger
Jun 1, 2024This recipe was a hit! The Bechamel sauce made it so creamy and delicious. I added a little garlic to the chicken while sautéing, and it gave it an extra layer of flavor.
Princess Aufderhar
Feb 14, 2024Easy to follow recipe and turned out great! I used gluten-free pasta, and it worked perfectly.