This creamy White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a one-pan treat! With tender chicken, rich cheese, and fresh spinach, it’s comfort food at its best. Plus, there’s no need to boil noodles!
Who doesn’t love a quick and easy meal? Toss everything in one skillet, let it bubble, and you’re ready to dig in. I always sneak an extra piece of cheesy goodness—so hard to resist! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a substitute. Just shred it and mix it in!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich flavor, but you can use whole milk for a lighter option. Lactose-free milk is also an excellent substitute if you’re dairy-sensitive.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: They make life easy! If unavailable, regular lasagna noodles work too, but you’ll need to boil them first. Another good option is using any flat pasta, like tagliatelle.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for that melty goodness! If you want extra flavor, try adding provolone or gouda. For a lower-fat option, part-skim mozzarella is a solid choice.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nice color and nutrients. Kale or Swiss chard can be used if you want something different. If you’re not a fan of greens, feel free to leave it out!
How Do I Avoid Sticking While Cooking?
To prevent your lasagna from sticking while cooking, follow these simple tips:
- Make sure to stir the noodles frequently during cooking to separate any that clump together.
- Add enough liquid (cream and broth) to keep the noodles submerged as they cook.
- If you’re using a skillet, a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron version can work wonders!
By keeping an eye on the pot and adjusting the heat as necessary, your lasagna will come out perfectly creamy without any sticking hassles!
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you can have this creamy, cheesy meal ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large, oven-safe skillet. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook them until they are browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring periodically until they are softened and fragrant. This step adds a great depth of flavor to your dish!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Then, gently add the broken lasagna noodles, pressing them down so they are submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
4. Add Seasonings and Spinach:
Mix in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Then, spread the fresh spinach leaves evenly on top of the mixture, which will add a pop of color and nutrition.
5. Cheese It Up:
Now it’s time to make it cheesy! Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of everything in the skillet.
6. Simmer and Cook:
Bring the mixture to a simmer and leave it uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Broil for a Golden Finish:
While the lasagna simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. After the lasagna has simmered, place the skillet under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. Serve warm with crusty bread or a refreshing side salad, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy homemade White Chicken Skillet Lasagna!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s crucial to thaw it completely first. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, cut it into bite-sized pieces as directed.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and substitute it with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You might also want to add some extra spinach or even chickpeas for added protein. Just sauté the veggies in olive oil before adding the cream and broth.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce!
Can I Use Regular Lasagna Noodles Instead of No-Boil?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles! Simply cook them according to package instructions before layering them in the skillet. Make sure to reduce the cooking time of the dish since the noodles will already be pre-cooked.