Easy Chicken Lasagna Recipe Ready in Under 1 Hour

Did you know you can make a tasty chicken lasagna in just 55 minutes¹? This fact shows lasagna doesn’t have to take a long time. Our easy chicken lasagna recipe is perfect for those who want homemade food fast.

This quick chicken lasagna has creamy spinach alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and melted cheese. The best thing? You don’t need ricotta cheese, so it’s easy to make.

It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook¹. You’ll have a yummy meal ready in under an hour¹. It makes 4 servings, great for family dinners or meal prep¹.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare a delicious chicken lasagna in just 55 minutes
• No ricotta cheese required, making it an accessible recipe
• Features a creamy spinach alfredo sauce and juicy chicken
• Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
• Yields 4 servings with balanced nutritional value
• Combines convenience with homemade comfort food taste

Why This Quick Chicken Lasagna Will Become Your Family Favorite

This chicken lasagna is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s ready in under an hour. It’s easy to make, with prep time of 20 minutes and cooking time of 35 minutes.

The lasagna has a great mix of flavors. It has tender chicken with spices like garlic powder and Italian seasoning. The creamy spinach alfredo sauce adds a rich, velvety texture.

This lasagna has four types of cheese. Mozzarella, ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan make it gooey and delicious.

Let’s look at why this lasagna is nutritious and satisfying:

This meal serves 8 people, great for family dinners or gatherings. You can also store it in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

This chicken lasagna is irresistible. It’s quick to make and easy to store. It’s the perfect dish for your family, combining speed and homemade taste.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Lasagna Recipe

To make a tasty chicken lasagna, you need the right mix of ingredients. This recipe is loved by many, with a rating of 4.97 out of 5 from 760 votes. It serves 12 people and is ready in about 1 hour 25 minutes. Let’s look at the main parts that make this dish a hit with families.

Chicken and Marinade Components

The chicken is the main part of this dish. You’ll need 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken from 2 lbs of chicken breast. To add flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce Ingredients

The spinach alfredo sauce makes this lasagna special. You’ll need butter, onion, garlic, flour, milk, cream, and parmesan cheese. Also, add 5 oz of fresh, coarsely chopped spinach for extra nutrition.

Cheese and Pasta Elements

For the lasagna layers, you’ll need 9 lasagna noodles and 3 cups of mozzarella cheese (12 oz by weight), with 1 cup reserved for topping. Some recipes suggest mixing cheddar and mozzarella for more flavor.

With these ingredients, you can make a delicious chicken lasagna. It’s full of flavor and good for you. Each serving has 337 calories, making it a great meal choice.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Making a tasty chicken lasagna is easy. You don’t need fancy tools. Just a few basic kitchen items will do the trick. Let’s look at what you need for this recipe.

First, get a good lasagna baking dish. A 9×13-inch glass or ceramic dish is best. It helps with even heat and makes serving easy. You’ll also need a big bowl for mixing and a sharp knife for chopping.

A nonstick pan or cast iron skillet is key for cooking the chicken and sauce. Don’t forget to use aluminum foil to cover your lasagna while it bakes. An oven at 400˚F is important for a golden crust.

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
• Colander for draining pasta

With these tools, you’ll be ready to layer your lasagna like a pro. Using pre-shredded cheese can also save time. Now, let’s get to making the perfect chicken filling for your lasagna.

Preparing the Perfect Chicken Filling

To make a tasty chicken lasagna filling, start with marinating. Use good extra virgin olive oil to coat the chicken well. This makes every bite of your lasagna very tasty.

Marinating Techniques

Combine your favorite seasonings with olive oil. Rub them into the chicken for about a minute. This helps the flavors get into the meat, making it taste better.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. Or, marinate it overnight for even more flavor.

Cooking Temperature and Time

Cook the marinated chicken on medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes on each side. This makes the chicken cooked through and seared nicely. For ground chicken, cook it for about 1 1/2 hours to make a rich sauce.

Proper Cutting and Resting

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices spread out, making the chicken moist and tasty. Then, chop the chicken into small pieces and toss them in their juices to add more flavor.

You can make the meat sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to a month. This makes assembling your lasagna faster. It also makes the chicken filling tender and flavorful, making your lasagna even better.

Creating the Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce

The heart of this lasagna is its creamy spinach alfredo sauce. This sauce combines rich flavors and smooth textures. It makes the dish even better. Let’s make this tasty sauce together.

First, melt butter in a big saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until they smell good and look clear. Use 4 cloves of garlic and 1 small onion.

Then, add flour and cook for a minute. This gets rid of the flour taste. Slowly add heavy cream, stirring well to avoid lumps. The sauce will get thicker as it cooks. Use 4 cups of heavy cream for creaminess.

Now, it’s time for spinach. Put in 10 ounces of fresh baby spinach. Stir until it’s all mixed in. Spinach makes the sauce green and adds nutrients.

To finish the sauce, add Parmesan cheese. Use 1 1/2 cups for the right cheesy taste. Add salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg. For more flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and lemon juice from half a lemon.

This spinach alfredo sauce is great for more than lasagna. Use it on pasta, as a breadstick dip, or in other creamy dishes. Its rich taste and smooth texture make it a favorite in your kitchen.

Layering Techniques for the Perfect Lasagna

Learning how to layer lasagna is important. It makes your chicken lasagna taste great. You need to arrange the ingredients right to get the best flavors and textures.

Base Layer Assembly

Begin by putting a thin layer of sauce in a casserole dish. This keeps the noodles from sticking and makes the dish moist¹². For a 9×13-inch dish, use about 1 cup of sauce for the first layer.

Middle Layer Construction

Next, layer lasagna noodles, sauce, chicken, and cheese. A good recipe uses 9-10 noodles and 4 cups of chicken. Make sure to mix red and white sauces for flavor.

Top Layer Finishing

Finish with noodles, sauce, and lots of cheese. You can use Parmesan, mozzarella, or ricotta for different tastes. Use toothpicks to keep the foil from sticking to the cheese while baking.

Let your lasagna rest for about 20 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to slice and look great.

Baking Instructions and Temperature Guidelines

Getting your chicken lasagna bake just right starts with the oven. We’ll cover the key steps for that perfect golden, bubbly look.

Preheating and Pan Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F for regular baking. If you have a convection oven, use 350°F. Grease your baking dish lightly to stop food from sticking.

Cooking Time and Temperature Settings

Put your lasagna in the oven covered with foil for 35 to 40 minutes. The sauce should bubble, and the lasagna should be hot. For a golden top, remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning.

Let your lasagna rest for about 15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. When reheating, make sure the center is 165°F for safety.

Remember, the lasagna’s cooking temperature is key for taste and texture. Follow these tips to make a chicken lasagna bake that will wow everyone.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing chicken lasagna right keeps it tasty for days. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Freezing is best for longer storage. Both baked and unbaked lasagna can be frozen for up to three months.

To freeze unbaked lasagna, put it in a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly and freeze. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For baked lasagna, let it cool down before freezing.

Reheating lasagna is easy. For a single serving, microwave for 2-3 minutes. Start with 1.5 minutes and add 30 seconds until it’s hot. Or, bake it in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes, until it’s 165°F inside.

To thaw a whole frozen lasagna, put it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it in a hot oven at 375°F. Cover it with foil for 60-70 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes to brown the top.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Exploring chicken lasagna variations and lasagna recipe substitutions can make this classic dish exciting again. Let’s look at some fun alternatives to change your lasagna game.

Alternative Cheese Options

While mozzarella and ricotta are common, feel free to try new cheeses. Use 2 cups of ricotta and 4 cups of grated mozzarella for a creamy taste. Swap some mozzarella with sharp cheddar for a tangy flavor. Or add crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.

Vegetable Add-ins

Adding veggies can make your lasagna healthier. Try spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for color and taste. Sautéed mushrooms also pair well with chicken. These veggies can balance the dish’s 675 kcal per serving.

Sauce Modifications

The sauce is crucial in lasagna recipe substitutions. You can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Try a tomato-based sauce or pesto for a unique taste. A balanced sauce can enhance the 38g of protein per serving.

These chicken lasagna variations can change cooking times. A standard recipe might take about 40 minutes to prepare and cook. Adjust cooking times based on your substitutions. With these creative options, you can make a lasagna that fits your taste while keeping it comforting.

Time-Saving Tips and Tricks

Learning quick lasagna tips can make cooking easier. Use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time. This trick can shave off minutes in the kitchen.

Choose no-boil lasagna noodles to skip a cooking step. These noodles soak up sauce during baking. This makes the lasagna layers tender without boiling.

Smart planning makes lasagna prep easy. Make the sauce ahead and chill it. This lets flavors mix and saves cooking time. You can even build the lasagna early, chill it, and bake when you’re ready.

Ingredient Shortcuts

For a fast lasagna, use jarred marinara sauce instead of homemade. Pre-grated cheese is quick, but fresh cheese melts better.

These quick lasagna tips can cut prep time to 30 minutes. Cooking takes about 35-40 minutes. So, you can have a tasty lasagna in about an hour.

Conclusion

This best chicken lasagna recipe is a tasty twist on a classic. It’s easy to make on a busy weeknight. Each serving has 25 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and only 350 calories.

The dish has ancient roots, but it’s modern and delicious. It uses chicken for lean protein and veggies for fiber and nutrients. For a healthier option, try whole wheat lasagna sheets and low-fat cheese.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 3 months. This makes it great for meal prep. It’s perfect for feeding a family or prepping meals for the week.