Welcome to a culinary journey that marries the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with the creamy richness of chicken alfredo. Our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, offering layers of tender pasta, creamy alfredo sauce, and savory chicken. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Chicken Alfredo Lasagna and discover how to bring this comforting masterpiece to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 12-15 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, minced, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the alfredo sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded chicken and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with minced fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness of Chicken Alfredo Lasagna!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and substitute it with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of this lasagna.
- Seafood Twist: For a seafood twist, add cooked shrimp or crabmeat between the layers of lasagna for a decadent seafood alfredo lasagna.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with zucchini slices for a gluten-free alternative.
Keto Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of Chicken Alfredo Lasagna, replace the lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. Use heavy cream and low-carb cheeses such as mozzarella and Parmesan. Ensure that the alfredo sauce is made with keto-friendly ingredients and adjust the seasoning to taste. With these simple substitutions, you can enjoy the rich flavors of Chicken Alfredo Lasagna while staying within your keto dietary guidelines.
Low Carb Version:
For a low-carb version, follow the keto substitutions mentioned above and be mindful of the carb content in the alfredo sauce. Use a reduced-carb alfredo sauce or make your own with ingredients such as cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Incorporate low-carb vegetables like spinach and skip higher-carb ingredients like onions. Enjoy this low-carb twist on a classic comfort food favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake the lasagna ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of Chicken Alfredo Lasagna? A: Absolutely! Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe and saves time on cooking and shredding chicken. Simply shred the chicken and incorporate it into the layers of the lasagna as directed.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to this lasagna? A: Certainly! Feel free to customize the lasagna with additional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
In conclusion, Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a luxurious twist on the classic Italian dish, offering layers of creamy alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese nestled between sheets of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this indulgent dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting appeal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a memorable meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible goodness of Chicken Alfredo Lasagna!
