This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a creamy delight! It’s packed with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and pasta, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
I love how fast this meal comes together—it’s like a cozy hug on a plate! Plus, no baking dish to wash means more time to enjoy. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but feel free to swap for cooked rotisserie chicken for ease. Shredded or diced leftover chicken works perfectly too!
Cheese: The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes it creamy and cheesy, but for a lighter version, try cottage cheese instead of ricotta. If you want to change the flavor, goat cheese is also a tasty alternative!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. It may not be as rich, but you’ll still get a nice creaminess.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These are super convenient! If you can’t find them, regular lasagna noodles work too, but they should be pre-cooked according to package instructions before adding to the skillet.
How Do I Ensure the Cheese Melts Perfectly?
The key to melting the cheese just right is to stir constantly while adding it to the warm cream. This will break it down smoothly and create a luscious sauce.
- Keep the heat on low after adding the cream to avoid burning the sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese when you can! It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Baking under the broiler is a perfect finishing touch, but watch closely to prevent burning. Just two to three minutes should do it!
How to Make White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8-10 no-boil lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces to fit in skillet)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to create this delicious and creamy skillet lasagna, making it a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet (a cast iron skillet works best) over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the Cheeses:
Stir in the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the Italian seasoning. Mix constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Add the broken no-boil lasagna noodles to the skillet, pressing them into the sauce. Then, add the chopped spinach and the cooked chicken on top. Gently mix everything to coat with the sauce.
5. Simmer and Cook:
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let it simmer on low heat for about 12-15 minutes, until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
6. Broil and Serve:
Once the noodles are cooked, remove the cover and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, let it cool slightly, and then serve warm directly from the skillet. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
This dish combines the creamy decadence of white sauce with tender chicken and fresh spinach, all layered with lasagna noodles in a one-pan meal that’s fast, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners!
Can I Use Different Pasta in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While no-boil lasagna noodles provide convenience, you can substitute with regular lasagna noodles by pre-cooking them according to package instructions. Alternatively, even penne or rotini can work, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, and feel free to add more spinach. You can also use chickpeas or lentils for added protein!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to, help restore the creaminess if needed.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze White Chicken Skillet Lasagna! Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Be aware that the texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!