This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a cozy dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and layers of pasta. It’s all made in one skillet, so clean-up is a breeze!
You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together. I just throw in the ingredients and let the magic happen. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something tasty without too much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tenderness. You can easily substitute with cooked rotisserie chicken to save time—just shred it and add it in during the assembly step.
Olive Oil: This is essential for cooking the chicken. If you’re looking for a lighter option or don’t have olive oil, canola or vegetable oil work well too.
Ricotta Cheese: It adds a creamy texture. Can’t find ricotta? Cottage cheese makes a decent substitute; just blend it for a smooth consistency.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These are super convenient! You could swap for regular lasagna noodles, but make sure to boil them first. Or use any short pasta such as penne or fusilli for a fun twist.
Marinara Sauce: While jarred sauce is easy, homemade sauce can elevate flavors. You can even use Alfredo sauce for a creamy version if you prefer! Adjust seasonings accordingly.
How Do I Ensure the Noodles Cook Properly in the Skillet?
Cooking the noodles directly in the skillet can be tricky, but here’s how to make sure they turn out perfectly! The key step is to properly cover the skillet.
- Once you’ve added the noodles and liquids, ensure they are completely submerged. This helps them cook evenly.
- Cover with a lid or foil and keep the heat on low to create steam, which aids in cooking.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level. If it looks too dry after 10 minutes, add a splash more water or broth.
- Letting it rest before serving allows the noodles to soak up the remaining moisture.
Following these tips will help you achieve tender noodles without any crunchy bits in your delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna! Enjoy your cooking!
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce or prepared tomato sauce
- 8 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces to fit the skillet
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn, for garnish
- 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30-35 minutes to cook. In total, you can enjoy your White Chicken Skillet Lasagna in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season them with salt and black pepper. Sauté until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Get Saucy:
Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—make sure not to burn it! Then pour in the marinara sauce and stir to mix it well with the garlic. This will be the delicious base for your lasagna.
3. Layer It Up:
Now, sprinkle the broken lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce. Next, add dollops of ricotta cheese over the noodles to create creamy pockets of flavor. Then, return the cooked chicken pieces on top of everything.
4. Add Liquid:
Pour the water or chicken broth over the skillet, making sure that the noodles are covered. This is important to ensure that all the noodles cook properly. Season with Italian seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Cover the skillet with a lid or some foil, and lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
6. Broil the Cheese:
While your skillet is simmering, preheat the broiler (if your skillet can withstand it) or set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the lasagna. You want that cheese to melt and become golden!
7. Finish It Off:
Carefully place the skillet under the broiler or in the oven without the cover for about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish & Serve:
Once your lasagna is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a lovely pop of color and flavor. Now, it’s ready to serve!
9. Dig In:
Use a spoon to scoop out portions, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy layers you’ve created. This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Enjoy crafting this delicious, hearty meal with ease, all in just one skillet!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken is a perfect shortcut. Just shred or chop it and mix it in when you layer the ingredients for added convenience.
What if I Don’t Have No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
If you don’t have no-boil noodles, you can use regular lasagna noodles. Just remember to boil them according to package instructions until al dente before adding them to your skillet.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add extra cheese for added richness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
