This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a cozy dish that’s packed with flavor! It features tender chicken, creamy cheese, and layers of noodles cooked all in one pan for easy clean-up.
I love how quick this recipe is! Just toss everything in the skillet, let it simmer, and you’ve got a hearty meal ready in no time. Your family will be asking for seconds, trust me! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooking your chicken adds flavor. I recommend using rotisserie chicken for a quick option. You can also use leftover chicken or even turkey if you have it on hand.
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work well, but breaking them up makes them fit perfectly in the skillet. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan offer the best melt and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella. You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a variation, though the texture will change.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is a great choice for color and nutrition. If it’s not available, frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can work too, though fresh has a better texture.
How Can I Make the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
A creamy sauce is key to this dish, and making it can feel tricky. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with butter and garlic in a skillet, then add flour to create a roux. Cook this until it’s slightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk to prevent lumps. Stir constantly to keep the mixture smooth and creamy.
- Cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If it feels too thick, a bit of water or chicken broth can loosen it up.
Patience is essential! Letting it thicken properly ensures a perfect base for your lasagna. Enjoy your wholesome cooking!
How to Make White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna will take approximately 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can expect to spend around 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Start Cooking:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot when your skillet lasagna is ready to bake.
2. Create the Base Sauce:
In a large cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of flour over the butter and garlic, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook this mixture for just 1-2 minutes, allowing it to turn lightly golden.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
Slowly whisk in the 3 cups of whole milk, making sure to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook and whisk the mixture for about 5-7 minutes or until it thickens. It should look creamy and smooth!
4. Flavor the Sauce:
Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, along with salt and black pepper. Then add in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is nice and smooth.
5. Add the Noodles:
Gently fold the broken lasagna noodles into the sauce, making sure they are well coated. If it seems thick, pour in a cup of water or chicken broth to help the noodles cook evenly.
6. Let it Simmer:
Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to simmer on medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes. You want the noodles to become tender and fully cooked.
7. Combine Ingredients:
Once the noodles are cooked, fold in the shredded chicken, the fresh baby spinach, and dollops of ricotta cheese evenly throughout the mixture for that creamy touch.
8. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the noodles and chicken mixture.
9. Bake:
Move the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has a lovely golden brown color.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy White Chicken Skillet Lasagna!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves you time while adding great flavor to the dish. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it in.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this skillet lasagna vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You could also include some lentils or beans for added protein.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over medium-low heat until it’s heated through.
Can I Freeze This Skillet Lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna (before baking) for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed, or bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
