This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a creamy and cheesy meal that is quick to whip up. With tender chicken, gooey cheese, and tasty noodles, it’s comfort food in one pan!
You can make this dish in no time, and it’s great for busy nights. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan wonder? Less clean-up means more time for eating! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here for their quick cooking time. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time.
Lasagna Noodles: No-boil noodles make this recipe easy! If you only have regular lasagna noodles, just cook them beforehand. You can also use gluten-free noodles if needed.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan cream cheese.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Whole milk makes the dish creamy, but you can substitute with 2% milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. If you use a plant-based option, check for creaminess!
How Do I Make Sure the Noodles are Tender?
The key to getting the no-boil noodles perfectly tender is simmering them in the sauce properly. Here’s how to do it:
- After adding the broken lasagna noodles, cover the skillet tightly. This helps trap heat and steam for quicker cooking.
- Let the noodles simmer gently in the sauce for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for tenderness; if they aren’t soft yet, cover and let them cook a couple more minutes.
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (can partially overlap with above)
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces (to fit the skillet)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Chicken Skillet Lasagna takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
First, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove half the chicken and set it aside for later use in layering the dish.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Make it Creamy:
Next, stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts into the mix, combining with the garlic and chicken juices to create a creamy base.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Gradually pour in the milk (or heavy cream) and chicken broth, stirring constantly. This will create a deliciously creamy sauce.
5. Add Flavor:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
6. Add the Noodles:
Break the no-boil lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet. Stir gently to submerge them in the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
7. Combine Chicken:
Return the reserved cooked chicken to the skillet, gently folding it into the noodles and creamy sauce.
8. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
9. Broil for a Perfect Finish:
Carefully place the skillet under a broiler, or in an oven set to 400°F (200°C), for around 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close watch to prevent burning!
10. Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your White Chicken Skillet Lasagna with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!
This quick and delicious one-pan White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is perfect for cozy dinners. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. Pat it dry before cooking for the best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you want to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and substitute it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can add extra protein by including chickpeas or cooked lentils as well.
Can I Make White Chicken Skillet Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding the mozzarella cheese, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, sprinkle the cheese on top and follow the cooking instructions, adjusting the time as needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, covering it loosely to prevent it from drying out.
