Creamy Chicken Lasagna: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dish 🍽️
Creamy chicken lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, offering a rich and indulgent flavor experience that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. This comforting dish features tender chicken breast pieces, flavorful herbs and spices, and a creamy, cheesy sauce layered between lasagna noodles for a hearty and delicious meal. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving a comforting homemade meal, this creamy chicken lasagna recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish, along with helpful tips, variations, and even keto and low-carb options to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and chopped spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the sauce until thickened, about 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom.
- Arrange cooked lasagna noodles on top of the chicken mixture.
- Spread half of the remaining chicken mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and the lasagna is heated through.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use precooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the sauce mixture.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to customize the chicken mixture with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: For a kick of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or creamy sauce.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Low-Carb Lasagna Noodles: Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with low-carb alternatives such as zucchini slices, eggplant slices, or thinly sliced deli meat for a keto-friendly option.
- Creamy Sauce Modification: Use heavy cream instead of whole milk and xanthan gum or guar gum as a thickening agent to create a low-carb version of the creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I freeze leftover creamy chicken lasagna?
- Yes, creamy chicken lasagna freezes well. Allow the lasagna to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw the lasagna overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
- Can I make creamy chicken lasagna in advance?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
- What can I serve with creamy chicken lasagna?
- Creamy chicken lasagna pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creamy chicken lasagna is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and layers of cheesy goodness for a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a cozy homemade meal, this creamy chicken lasagna recipe is sure to impress. With its rich and indulgent flavors, customizable ingredients, and keto and low-carb variations, it’s easy to see why creamy chicken lasagna is a beloved classic. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
