This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a cozy dish packed with creamy goodness! It features tender chicken, rich cheese, and layers of noodles all cooked in one pan, making cleanup easy.
Perfect for busy nights, this meal is a family favorite! Just layer, simmer, and enjoy—no oven needed! Seriously, who doesn’t love a quick and cheesy dinner? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here for quick prep. If you have leftover grilled chicken, use that! For a vegetarian option, you can substitute cooked mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty texture.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These save time by cooking in the skillet, but you can use regular noodles too. Just make sure to increase the sauce a bit to ensure they soften properly. Whole wheat noodles are a healthier option!
Fresh Spinach: Besides spinach, you can try kale or Swiss chard. They add a nice twist. If it’s not fresh, frozen spinach also works—just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
Cheeses: I love using ricotta for creaminess, but you could replace it with cottage cheese if you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative. Goat cheese brings a tangy flavor, and you can mix different cheeses based on what you have on hand.
How Do I Make a Creamy Sauce Without Clumps?
A smooth sauce is key to this dish. Start by heating your oil or butter, then add minced garlic. Cooking the flour with the garlic first creates a roux, which helps thicken the sauce. When you add the milk and broth, whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it’s thick and creamy—usually 5 minutes will do the trick.
- Heat medium until hot, then sauté garlic in oil or butter.
- Mix in flour to form a roux, cooking it for a minute for a rich base.
- Slowly whisk in your milk and chicken broth to combine smoothly.
- Keep whisking until thickened; this helps achieve that creamy consistency.
With these tips, you’ll have a lusciously creamy sauce that perfectly binds all your ingredients in this comforting skillet lasagna! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Toppings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before you can dig into this creamy, cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
2. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour. This will help create a rich base for your sauce.
3. Whisk in the Liquids:
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth to ensure there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a simmer and starts to thicken, which should take about 5 minutes. Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Add the Noodles:
Next, add the broken lasagna noodles into the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles begin to soften.
5. Layer in Chicken and Spinach:
Reduce the heat to low. Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles, then add the shredded chicken and fresh spinach. Stir gently to help the spinach wilts in the sauce.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. If you like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy White Chicken Skillet Lasagna with loved ones!
Bon Appétit! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. If you prefer, you can also use cooked turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
What If I Don’t Have No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
No worries! You can substitute regular lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to cook them separately beforehand. Make sure to increase the amount of sauce so they have enough liquid to soften during cooking.
Can This Dish Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to the point of adding the cheese. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, add the cheese and follow the cooking instructions, possibly adding a couple of extra minutes to ensure everything gets heated through properly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
