This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna brings comfort to dinner with creamy layers of cheese, tender chicken, and pasta all cooked in one pan. It’s quick and oh-so-satisfying!
The best part? You can have a delicious meal without a mountain of dishes to clean up! It’s a favorite in my house, especially when I’m too tired to fuss over dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly and are tender. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute turkey breast. For a vegetarian version, use cooked mushrooms or lentils for protein instead.
Lasagna Noodles: I find fresh lasagna noodles provide the best texture, but you can easily use any sturdy pasta like mafaldine or even penne. If you’re short on time, store-bought no-boil noodles can also work well.
Cheese: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan gives a lovely flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. For a dairy-free version, look for vegan cheeses that melt well.
Milk: Whole milk makes the sauce creamy, but you can substitute with 2% milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just be cautious that not all plant-based milks will thicken the same way.
Spices: The dried oregano and basil are key flavors here. Feel free to switch to Italian seasoning if you have it on hand, or even fresh herbs if they’re available, though they’ll need to be added differently.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Creamy Sauce?
The sauce is vital for the creamy texture of this lasagna. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant. This base adds a rich flavor.
- After adding flour, cook it just a minute; this helps remove the raw taste while allowing it to thicken when you add the milk and broth.
- Whisk the liquids in slowly to avoid lumps. It’s essential to keep whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency.
- Let the sauce simmer gently so it thickens properly; don’t rush this step – a few extra minutes will make a big difference!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta in your skillet lasagna! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Skillet:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta Layer:
- 4 cups fresh lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or cooked pasta like mafaldine or other big noodles)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- For the Flavor:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 30 minutes in total, with around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, until they are fragrant and softened. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your dish!
3. Make the Sauce Base:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir to combine and cook for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. This will help thicken your sauce later on.
4. Whisk in the Liquids:
Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens — this should take around 5 minutes. You’ll want a smooth, creamy sauce that coats your pasta beautifully!
5. Add the Cheeses and Seasoning:
Now stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick! Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Time to add the broken lasagna noodles to the sauce! Stir gently to make sure all the noodles are submerged. Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente and the sauce has thickened up nicely.
7. Combine with Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently mixing it into the pasta and sauce.
8. Add Cheese for Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top. This is where the magic happens — who can resist melted cheese?
9. Broil or Melt:
If the skillet is oven-safe, broil it in the oven for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, just cover it and let the cheese melt over low heat on the stovetop.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve hot! Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting lasagna that comes together in just one skillet!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great here. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet when you return the chicken to the dish. This saves you time and adds even more flavor!
What Can I Substitute for the Creamy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter sauce, consider using low-fat milk or a plant-based milk like almond or coconut. Just be sure to add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water for thickening. You can also use cream of chicken soup as a quick substitute!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce.
