Description
This classic French pasta gratin is comfortingly rich with crème fraîche, melted cheese, and gently baked halal chicken. A family-friendly dish in under 45 minutes that adapts to any pasta shape and protein preference.
Ingredients
300–400g pasta (penne, coquillettes, fusilli)
200g shredded halal chicken breast
200ml thick fresh cream
200g grated hard cheese (emmental, gruyère, or gouda)
100ml milk (optional for lighter texture)
1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of fresh nutmeg
Optional: herbs de Provence for seasoning
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
Butter the gratin dish generously
Boil pasta in salted water, leaving slightly firm
Drain pasta and transfer to mixing bowl
Add halal chicken and crème fraîche to pasta, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg
Stir until fully combined. If using milk, add it now
Transfer mixture to prepared dish
Top with remaining grated cheese, spreading evenly
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly
Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Notes
The original recipe called for ham, which was substituted with shredded halal chicken breast to comply with dietary restrictions
Pasta can be any shape from your pantry
For vegetarian version, replace halal chicken with sautéed mushrooms
Milk reduces richness if needed
Herbs de Provence adds herbal depth
Plat works as main dish or leftover repurposing
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Accompagnements & légumes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg