This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Packed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and delicate noodles, it’s a hug on a plate!
Cooking this meal in one skillet means fewer dishes to wash – yay for easy cleanup! 🌟 You can have a delicious dinner ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great too! For a healthier option, try using turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles are used, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles based on your needs. Break them into large pieces for a rustic look! No need to pre-cook them since they will cook in the sauce.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan are key to that cheesy goodness. If you’re out, use provolone or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. Ricotta is essential for creaminess; if unavailable, cottage cheese can be a substitute, just blend it smooth.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a nice color and nutrition boost. If spinach isn’t your thing, you can substitute with kale or omit it altogether. Frozen spinach works too; just make sure to drain it well!
How Do I Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth?
Making the sauce smooth is crucial for the best texture in your lasagna. Start by creating a roux. Here’s how:
- Heat butter in a skillet until melted, then add garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flavor.
- Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, which takes about 4-5 minutes. That’s when it becomes creamy!
This technique will give you a delicious, velvety sauce for your lasagna. Don’t rush it and enjoy the process!
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 12 oz lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped (optional)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to have this hearty meal on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Chicken:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then toss in the cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté Veggies:
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, and then add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is fragrant and the onions are translucent.
3. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time to thicken things up! Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth. Keep cooking and whisking for about 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine the Cheeses and Seasonings:
Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), along with salt and pepper to taste. Then, mix in the ricotta cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese until everything is creamy and well blended.
5. Bring in Spinach and Chicken:
If you’re using spinach, stir it in along with half of the mozzarella cheese. Next, add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, pressing them gently into the sauce. Spoon the cooked chicken on top and mix slightly to distribute everything evenly.
6. Top It Off:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Dot the dish with the last tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces.
7. Bake:
Carefully transfer your skillet into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve:
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a touch of color. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal!
This creamy, cheesy White Chicken Skillet Lasagna combines tender chicken, noodles, and a luscious white sauce all baked to golden perfection, making it an easy, delicious dish everyone will enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Simply let everything cool, then assemble the lasagna in the skillet, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture if needed.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute. For a lower-fat option, consider using part-skim mozzarella. You can also use vegan cheese alternatives if you’re looking for a dairy-free version!