This Marry Me Chicken Lasagna is a fantastic twist on the classic dish! It features layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness that will make your taste buds sing.
Honestly, who wouldn’t say “I do” to a lasagna this tasty? I love serving it with a side salad for a cozy dinner. Plus, the leftovers are just as yummy the next day!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works well too—just shred it to save time!
Heavy Cream: This is key for that creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or whole milk, though it will be less rich.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: They add a wonderful depth of flavor! If you don’t have them, diced fresh tomatoes can be a nice substitute, or just skip them altogether for a simpler taste.
Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to use provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile. Vegan cheese options are available if you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives!
How Do I Make Sure My Lasagna Layers Stay Perfect?
Layering is important for a great lasagna structure! Start with a thin sauce layer to prevent sticking, then carefully lay out your noodles. Use a spatula to spread ricotta to ensure even distribution.
- Start with sauce, then noodles, followed by ricotta and chicken sauce.
- Don’t overload with cheese on early layers; save plenty for the top to achieve that melty finish.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps keep the layers together when serving.
Marry Me Chicken Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional for flavor depth)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Marry Me Chicken Lasagna will take about 15 minutes to prep, and then around 40 minutes to bake. So, in under an hour, you can have a delicious meal ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your lasagna cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will add so much flavor!
4. Make the Sauce:
Add the red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for around 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken a bit.
5. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pieces in that delicious creamy mixture.
6. Start Layering the Lasagna:
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture at the bottom. Lay down 2-3 lasagna noodles on top, making sure to cover the surface.
7. Add the Cheese and Sauce Layers:
Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the noodles, then add a generous layer of the chicken sauce. Sprinkle some of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Repeat the Layers:
Continue layering with the remaining noodles, another layer of ricotta, followed by sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Make sure to keep things even for the best flavor!
9. Top it Off:
Finish it all off with a final layer of noodles, then generously cover with the remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
10. Bake Your Lasagna:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your lasagna is done baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help keep all the layers intact when serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch, and enjoy your delicious creation!
This creamy, cheesy chicken lasagna with a hint of spice and fresh herbs makes for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress anyone at your table!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles for This Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat lasagna noodles, gluten-free noodles, or even zucchini slices for a low-carb option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using fresh vegetables!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to the freezer!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance! Just assemble it but keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly if cooking from chilled.
What Can I Substitute for the Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute! It’ll change the flavor slightly but will still be delicious.
