This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy delight that comes together in one pan! With tender chicken and layers of pasta, it’s a dinner win for the whole family.
Who knew lasagna could be this easy? I love making it on busy nights when I crave comfort but don’t want a mountain of dishes. Just eat, enjoy, and repeat! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. You could swap them for rotisserie chicken for even more convenience or try turkey for a lighter option.
Heavy cream: This adds richness to the dish. If you’d like a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of butter. Just keep in mind, it may not be as creamy!
No-boil lasagna noodles: Make sure to use no-boil noodles for this recipe as they cook directly in the skillet. If you can’t find them, regular lasagna noodles can work too, but they’ll need to be pre-cooked.
Cheese: While mozzarella cheese is a must-have for that gooey texture, you can swap the ricotta for cottage cheese if that’s what you have on hand. Just blend it until it’s smoother for a similar effect!
How Do I Ensure the Noodles Cook Perfectly?
The secret to perfectly cooked noodles is all about keeping the right heat and moisture level. Make sure to cover your skillet tightly to trap steam while it cooks. Here’s how to do it:
- Spread the broken noodles evenly in the simmering sauce for even cooking.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Keep the heat medium-low and let them cook for about 10 minutes, checking for doneness.
If they need more time, feel free to add a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce from getting too thick. Happy cooking!
How to Make White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces to fit skillet
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna will take about 30-35 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes prepping the ingredients and then around 20 minutes cooking everything in the skillet. Ready to dig in?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized pieces of chicken with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—yum!
3. Create the Sauce:
Next, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!). Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Noodles:
Carefully add the broken no-boil lasagna noodles to the skillet, spreading them evenly throughout the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for around 10 minutes until the noodles are tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
5. Layer the Cheeses and Chicken:
Once the noodles are soft, reduce the heat to low. Spoon the ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles, then scatter the cooked chicken pieces on top—this is going to be so tasty!
6. Add the Toppings:
Now, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over everything. It’s time for the cheesy goodness!
7. Broil for Perfection:
Place the skillet under the broiler for about 2-4 minutes, watching closely as the cheese melts and turns bubbly with lovely golden brown spots. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm straight from the skillet—you’re going to love every bite!
Enjoy your creamy, delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it in place of the raw chicken, stirring it in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the no-boil lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles. Just check the package directions for cooking times, as they may vary.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of cream to keep it creamy!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Lasagna?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skillet along with the onion. Just make sure to cook any additional vegetables until softened so they blend well with the dish.