This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy delight that makes dinner easy and fun! With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese, it’s comfort food at its best.
I love how everything cooks in one pan—it saves on cleanup! Plus, no waiting for water to boil! Just layer, heat, and enjoy. It’s a cozy meal for any night! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I always go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish as they cook quickly and stay tender. You could substitute with rotisserie chicken or even turkey if you’re looking for a variation.
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work well, but you can also use no-boil lasagna sheets. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type you choose.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you could swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce may be less creamy. You can also use a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option.
Cheese: I love the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan here. If you’re out of either, try using cheddar or gouda for a different cheese flavor. Ricotta can also be replaced with cottage cheese for a lower-fat alternative.
How Do You Make Sure the Noodles Cook Perfectly?
Cooking noodles in a skillet can be tricky, but here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right:
- After adding the noodles, ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. This helps them cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together or to the bottom of the skillet.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. You want them tender but still slightly firm (al dente) since they’ll cook a bit more under the broiler.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked noodles that blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce and chicken, making for a delightful skillet lasagna! Enjoy! 😊
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Layers:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (about 2-3 inches)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful White Chicken Skillet Lasagna will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just long enough for it to release a lovely aroma—be careful not to let it burn!
3. Create the Sauce:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer to combine all those delicious flavors.
4. Add the Noodles:
Next, toss in the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are mostly submerged in the broth mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the noodles cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to each other or the bottom of the skillet. You want them tender but happy with a slight bite!
5. Mix in the Spinach and Ricotta:
Stir in the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, and dried Italian seasoning. Gently mix everything together until the spinach wilts and the ricotta is mixed in completely—this will add a creaminess that you’re going to love!
6. Combine and Prepare for Topping:
Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it throughout the pasta and sauce. It’s all coming together beautifully!
7. Cheese, Please:
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of your skillet masterpiece.
8. Broil for Perfection:
Now, preheat your oven broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning—nobody likes burnt cheese!
9. Garnish and Set:
Once out of the oven, let the skillet sit for a few minutes. You want it to cool just a tad. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and halved cherry tomatoes for a lovely pop of color—it also adds flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the White Chicken Skillet Lasagna warm, right from the skillet for an easy and cozy meal! Enjoy the creamy goodness and all the happy faces around the table.
This dish beautifully combines the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with the ease of one-pan cooking, featuring creamy cheeses, tender chicken, and a hint of fresh basil and tomato for brightness. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 😊
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and mix it into the dish when you add the ricotta and spinach. This will cut down on cooking time even further!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative for similar consistency.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just make sure to sauté them briefly before adding the garlic to ensure they cook through properly.
