This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a cozy meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and noodles all in one pan. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy days!
I love how everything cooks together in one skillet, which means less mess to clean up. Plus, there’s something special about the cheesy, comforting taste that just makes you smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish, but you can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option. Just shred it and add it to the skillet after cooking the garlic.
Lasagna Noodles: Fresh lasagna noodles give a great texture, but if you can’t find them, no-boil noodles work well. They still become soft in the creamy sauce, saving you a step!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes this dish rich and creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a different twist.
Cheese: This recipe calls for Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta. If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. For a healthier option, you might try low-fat cheeses.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme works well if you don’t have store-bought Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs can also brighten the flavor if you have any on hand!
How Do I Ensure My Lasagna Noodles Cook Perfectly?
Cooking lasagna noodles in the skillet allows them to soak up the creamy sauce, but timing is essential. After adding the noodles, cover the skillet to trap steam, which helps them cook evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer the noodles in the sauce for about 10-12 minutes.
- Test a noodle to ensure it’s tender but not mushy before adding the chicken back.
- If using no-boil noodles, make sure there’s enough liquid so they cook properly!
How to Make White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or use no-boil lasagna noodles broken into pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Estimated Time Needed:
This delicious skillet lasagna takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything in the skillet. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Add Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
3. Add Cream and Broth:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing those flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, making sure to stir them so they’re well-coated in that creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
5. Mix in the Chicken:
After the noodles are soft, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently mix it into the creamy noodle mixture so everything is combined nicely.
6. Add Cheeses:
Drop dollops of ricotta cheese over the top of the skillet. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top, making it nice and cheesy!
7. Broil for Beautiful Cheese:
Now, place the skillet under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on it to avoid any burning!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the skillet cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a lovely touch of color and flavor. Dive in and enjoy your comforting meal!
This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is perfect for a hearty dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends with its creamy, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely first! The best method is to transfer it to the fridge overnight, or for a quicker option, place the sealed chicken in cold water until thawed. Once thawed, you can chop and cook it as directed in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with a mix of your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can sauté the veggies in the olive oil before adding the garlic, cream, and noodles for an equally delicious meal!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to freshen up the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta, feel free to mix and match cheeses to suit your taste. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even goat cheese can bring a nice twist to this dish!
