This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a creamy, comforting dish that’s ready in no time! It’s packed with tender chicken, rich ricotta, and layers of noodles, all cooked in one pan.
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s easy to whip up and requires minimal cleanup? I always enjoy the cheesy goodness while secretly hoping for leftovers the next day. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You’ll want cooked chicken for this dish. I often use shredded rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. If you have leftover chicken, that works great too! For a lighter option, you can substitute with cooked turkey.
No-boil lasagna noodles: These noodles save time since they cook directly in the sauce. If you only have regular lasagna noodles, you can use them, but remember to pre-cook them for about 10 minutes before adding them in.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds lovely color and nutrients. If fresh isn’t available, you can use thawed frozen spinach, just make sure to squeeze out extra moisture first.
Cheeses: Ricotta gives a creamy texture, but you could substitute with cottage cheese if preferred. For mozzarella, feel free to use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for an extra cheesy flavor. If you need a dairy-free alternative, there are vegan cheese options available too.
Milk or cream: Whole milk creates a lighter sauce, while heavy cream makes it rich. Almond milk or coconut milk can substitute if you need a non-dairy option, but they might alter the flavor a bit.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Perfectly Thick?
Getting your sauce to the right thickness is crucial for a creamy lasagna. The key here is the roux. After melting the butter, add flour and cook it well before adding the milk or cream. Whisking consistently will help prevent lumps and ensure even thickness.
- Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes; this helps develop flavor.
- When adding milk, do it slowly and continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Let the sauce simmer gently, which will help it thicken. If you need it thicker, let it simmer a little longer before adding noodles.
Taking these steps gives you a smooth and creamy sauce that coats everything deliciously!
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet Lasagna:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 6 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna takes about 35 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner, and cleanup is easy since it all comes together in one skillet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to finish it in the oven for a bubbly topping. In a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it’s just fragrant, being careful not to let it burn!
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, whisk in the flour and cook it for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. This adds thickness and flavor to your sauce. Slowly pour in your choice of milk or heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens up nicely, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, followed by 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget to season with a little salt and pepper!
3. Add the Noodles and Chicken:
Now, it’s time for the lasagna noodles! Add the broken pieces to your sauce, making sure they are nicely submerged. Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the noodles to soften a bit. After that, mix in the cooked chicken and chopped spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts tenderly.
4. Layer with Cheeses:
Now for the fun part! Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Then, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. This is going to be wonderfully cheesy!
5. Bake or Simmer:
If you’re using the oven, transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese gets golden and bubbly. If you prefer, you can stay on the stovetop, covering the skillet and letting it cook gently until the noodles are tender and the cheese has melted beautifully.
6. Serving:
Once done, remove from heat and let it set for a few minutes. This helps everything settle a bit. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’d like, add a few more cheese sprinkles if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight that the whole family will love!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before using it. The best way to thaw is by placing it in the fridge overnight or submerging it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for a quicker option. Cooked or shredded frozen chicken can be added directly into the skillet!
Can I Make This Skillet Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and layer everything in the skillet, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream for extra creaminess when reheating!
What Can I Serve with White Chicken Skillet Lasagna?
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but you might want to pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Enjoy it with a glass of white wine for a complete experience!
