Name: Negresco (Egyptian Chicken Pasta Bake)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Egyptian
Ingredients: 1 whole medium chicken, jointed into 4-6 pieces, or 6 chicken thighs; 1 large onion, halved; 1 large carrot, roughly chopped; 1 celery stick, roughly chopped; 2 bay leaves; 2 green cardamom pods; 1 tsp fine salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 500g dried spaghetti; 1 litre whole milk; 300ml single cream; 1⁄4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg; 4 heaped tbsp plain flour; 100g unsalted butter; 150g parmesan, finely grated; 300g mozzarella, coarsely grated

A comforting and rich Egyptian pasta bake that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy bechamel sauce and two types of cheese for an irresistible family meal. This traditional dish, known as Negresco, features layers of spaghetti, chicken, and a silky sauce that creates the perfect comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Egyptian pasta bake brings together the best elements of comfort food – tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce enriched with two types of cheese. The dish creates a wonderful harmony between the savory chicken, the subtle spices from the cooking broth, and the creamy, cheesy sauce. Negresco is perfect for family gatherings or when you need a hearty meal that will please everyone at the table. The homemade chicken broth adds depth of flavor that you simply can’t get from store-bought versions, while the combination of parmesan and mozzarella creates the perfect cheese pull with every serving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken forms the protein base of this dish, becoming tender and flavorful after simmering in the aromatic broth. You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces or just thighs for a richer flavor.

Onion, carrot, and celery create the classic mirepoix flavor base for the homemade chicken broth, adding depth and subtle sweetness to the dish.

Bay leaves and cardamom pods infuse the broth with complex aromatic notes that elevate this dish beyond a simple pasta bake.

Spaghetti serves as the foundation of the dish, creating substantial layers that hold up to the rich sauce. Make sure to cook it al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Whole milk and single cream work together to create the luxurious, velvety texture of the bechamel sauce that binds everything together.

Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the bechamel sauce that pairs beautifully with the dairy components.

Plain flour thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency, allowing it to coat the pasta without becoming too heavy.

Butter enriches the sauce and adds a silky mouthfeel to the finished dish.

Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, salty depth to both the sauce and the topping, creating layers of flavor throughout the dish.

Mozzarella provides that coveted stretchy, melty quality that forms an irresistible golden crust on top while keeping the interior creamy.

Directions

Place the chicken pieces, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaves, cardamom pods, and half the salt and pepper in a snug-fitting pan. Add enough water to cover the ingredients completely.
Bring the water to a gentle simmer and cook the chicken for 1 hour, ensuring it remains submerged throughout the cooking process.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the broth and set aside to cool. Using a slotted spoon, remove and discard the vegetables and aromatics, but reserve the flavorful chicken broth.
While waiting for the chicken to cool, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta but reserve one cup of the pasta water.
When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat with your hands. Set aside.
Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
Add the milk, cream, nutmeg, flour, butter, and reserved pasta water to the chicken broth. Whisk thoroughly and season with the remaining salt and pepper.
Place the pan over low heat and gradually bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring regularly. Cook until the sauce thickens and the raw flour taste disappears. The sauce should be thinner than a traditional bechamel but still have some body. Stir in half the parmesan cheese.
In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, then cover with the shredded chicken, half of the remaining parmesan, and half of the mozzarella.
Pour about three large ladlefuls of sauce over this layer, then add the remaining spaghetti. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.
Bake the Negresco for 30-45 minutes until golden on top and bubbling at the edges.
Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Negresco recipe serves 6-8 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The preparation and cooking time breaks down as follows:

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time for chicken broth: 1 hour
Assembly time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-45 minutes
Rest time: 5 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes

Variations

Mediterranean Twist: Add 1 cup of pitted olives, 2 tablespoons of capers, and some sundried tomatoes to bring a tangy Mediterranean flavor to the dish.

Vegetable Boost: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers between the layers for extra nutrients and flavor.

Spicy Version: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a few tablespoons of harissa for a North African heat that complements the original recipe beautifully.

Seafood Negresco: Replace the chicken with poached shrimp and flaked white fish for a delicious seafood variation.

Herbed Negresco: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and mint to the sauce for a brighter flavor profile typical of other Egyptian dishes.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Negresco in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day, making this a great make-ahead dish.

Freezing: This pasta bake freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion it into individual servings before freezing for easier reheating. Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating from refrigerated: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible, then reheat as above. Alternatively, reheat from frozen in a 325°F (165°C) oven, covered with foil, for 30-40 minutes until heated through.

Reviving the texture: If the pasta seems dry after storage, sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk or chicken broth over the top before reheating to restore moisture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead. However, cooking meat on the bone creates a more flavorful broth, so consider adding a chicken bouillon cube to enhance the flavor if using boneless cuts.

Is there a substitute for single cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. For a lighter version, you could use all whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the dish to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with Negresco?

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments to balance the richness of the pasta bake.

My sauce is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?

If your sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken, or create a slurry with a tablespoon of flour mixed with cold water and whisk it in.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While traditional Negresco uses spaghetti, you can substitute other long pasta like fettuccine or linguine. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni will also work but will create a different texture in the final dish.

Why is my Negresco not browning on top?

If your dish isn’t browning well, you can switch the oven to the broiler setting for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes, substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

How do I know when the Negresco is fully cooked?

The dish is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. If you insert a knife into the center, it should feel hot when you touch the knife to your lip (carefully!).

Can I reduce the cheese to make it less rich?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat milk to lighten the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.

Conclusion

Negresco is a celebration of comfort food at its finest – a harmonious blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together. This Egyptian pasta bake has earned its place as a beloved family dish because it delivers satisfaction in every bite, from the golden cheese crust to the flavorful layers beneath.

The time invested in creating the aromatic chicken broth pays off in the rich depth of flavor that permeates the entire dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a special family dinner or making it ahead for busy weeknights, Negresco rewards both the cook and those fortunate enough to enjoy it. The combination of familiar ingredients transformed into something greater than their parts is what makes this dish truly special.

As with many traditional recipes, feel free to make it your own with the suggested variations or adaptations based on what you have available. The heart of Negresco lies in its comforting embrace – a dish that nourishes both body and soul.