Hearty Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Silky Chicken Lasagna Recipe: A Heartwarming Treasure

Layers of comfort and flavor dance together in this mouthwatering creamy chicken lasagna delight recipe that promises to steal hearts at any dinner table.

Tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly melted cheese create a symphony of tastes sure to impress.

Each bite tells a delicious story of culinary passion and home-cooked goodness.

Rich, hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Cheesy goodness awaits with every forkful of this irresistible meal.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor every single layer.

Prepare to fall in love with a lasagna that breaks all the traditional rules and sets a new standard for comfort food.

Tools for Building Creamy Chicken Lasagna

  • Large Pot: Essential for sautéing aromatics and cooking the entire dish.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for dicing onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping of onions and garlic.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Tablespoon: Helps measure olive oil and spices accurately.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding mozzarella and grating Parmesan.
  • Ladle or Large Serving Spoon: Helps serve the creamy lasagna soup.

Cooking Creamy Chicken Lasagna from Scratch

  • Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over gentle heat. Toss in diced onions, letting them transform into a soft, translucent canvas of deliciousness. Sprinkle aromatic garlic and herbs, creating a fragrant base that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot, introducing tender shredded chicken. Let everything dance together, simmering gently to blend flavors and create a harmonious mixture.

  • Noodle Adventure

Break lasagna noodles and nestle them into the bubbling landscape. Allow them to soften and absorb the rich surroundings, becoming perfectly tender and infused with savory goodness.

  • Creamy Transformation

Lower the heat and invite smooth cream and rich cheeses to join the party. Stir carefully, watching the liquid transform into a velvety, luxurious blanket that hugs every ingredient.

  • Final Touch

Taste your creation and whisper in salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and crown with fresh herbs or an extra sprinkle of cheese for a final flourish of deliciousness.

Tips to Make Chicken Lasagna Creamier and Richer

  • Chicken Switch-Up: Swap rotisserie chicken with turkey, shredded pork, or even canned tuna for a quick protein alternative that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
  • Noodle Ninja: Break whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles for a healthier twist, or use smaller pasta shapes like shells or penne to create a different texture and eating experience.
  • Spice Explorer: Kick up the heat by adding smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or diced green chilies for those who love a spicier version of this comforting meal.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the sautéing stage to increase nutritional value and add extra layers of flavor to your creamy lasagna soup.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the soup becomes too thick.

Presenting Creamy Chicken Lasagna at the Table

  • Cozy Family Feast: Pair this creamy chicken lasagna with a crisp green salad topped with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
  • Italian Comfort Combo: Serve alongside garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add extra texture to your dining experience.
  • Hearty Weeknight Winner: Sprinkle some extra fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving to brighten the dish and add a pop of fresh flavor that makes the meal feel special and homemade.
  • Weekend Gathering Treat: Complement the lasagna with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the rich, creamy flavors and create a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.

Best Way to Store Chicken Lasagna

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store your lasagna soup in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. When properly sealed, the lasagna soup stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Perfection: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Microwave works well too, just stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.
  • Ingredient Separation Secret: Keep uncooked noodles separate if meal prepping. Add pasta just before serving to prevent soggy texture and maintain the soup's delightful consistency. This trick ensures each bowl tastes freshly made and vibrant.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in Creamy Chicken Lasagna

For Base Flavors:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a silky foundation for sautéing and adds subtle, fruity undertones to the dish.
  • Onion: Brings sweet, aromatic depth and creates a flavor-packed starting point for the lasagna.
  • Garlic: Delivers a pungent, warm essence that elevates the overall taste profile.
  • Dried Oregano: Contributes an earthy, slightly bitter Mediterranean herb character.
  • Dried Basil: Introduces a sweet, peppery note that complements the chicken beautifully.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a gentle heat that sparks excitement in each bite.
For Protein and Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base that tenderizes and infuses flavor.
  • Shredded Cooked Chicken: Provides hearty protein and a satisfying texture to the lasagna.
For Creamy and Cheesy Components:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Serve as the comforting, starchy backbone that holds the dish together.
  • Heavy Cream: Transforms the dish into a luxuriously smooth and indulgent experience.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Adds a silky, mild creaminess that softens the overall texture.
  • Mozzarella: Brings classic stretch and mild, milky richness.
  • Parmesan: Introduces a sharp, nutty punch of flavor to enhance depth.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Salt: Balances and amplifies the entire dish's flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a warm, slightly spicy background note.
  • Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that adds brightness and visual appeal.
Print
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Hearty Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Hearty Chicken Lasagna Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty chicken lasagna delight brings layers of comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Melted cheeses, tender chicken, and rich herbs create a memorable meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups (946 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 8 oz (226 g) lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Extra cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sautéing Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Introduce diced onions, coaxing them to a translucent state while releasing their subtle fragrance.
  2. Layering Flavor Foundations: Incorporate minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, allowing these spices to bloom and intermingle for a minute, creating a robust flavor base.
  3. Building the Liquid Canvas: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and fold in shredded chicken. Let the mixture simmer gently, enabling ingredients to marry and develop depth of flavor.
  4. Pasta Integration: Strategically add broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering liquid. Allow them to cook and absorb the surrounding essence, achieving perfect al dente consistency in 10-12 minutes.
  5. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and orchestrate a velvety fusion by slowly blending heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir consistently until the mixture reaches a uniformly luxurious, smooth texture.
  6. Finishing Flourish: Taste and calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with fresh herbs and an optional cheese sprinkle for an elegant final presentation.

Notes

  • Pasta Perfection: Break lasagna noodles evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent clumping in the skillet.
  • Liquid Leverage: Use warm chicken broth to help noodles cook faster and absorb maximum flavor without extra pots.
  • Cheese Melting Mastery: Add cheeses gradually and stir continuously to prevent burning and achieve a silky, uniform sauce.
  • Herb Hack: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can dramatically elevate the final dish’s brightness and aromatic profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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