Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Indulge in Creamy Comfort with Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with our decadent Chicken Alfredo Lasagna recipe. This indulgent dish combines tender chicken, sautéed spinach, creamy ricotta, and rich Alfredo sauce, all layered between sheets of lasagna noodles. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this lasagna promises to impress with its luxurious flavors and comforting textures. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the art of homemade lasagna and discover the ultimate comfort food experience!

Ingredients:

  • Lasagna:
    • 16 lasagna noodles
    • 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
    • 3 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Ricotta Layer:
    • 15 oz ricotta cheese
    • 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • 1 egg
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Sauteed Spinach Layer:
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 4 oz mushrooms (about 1 1/2 cups) mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
    • 1/2 large onion (about 1 cup), diced
    • 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
    • 4 cups (or about 4 oz) fresh spinach, chopped
  • Alfredo Sauce:
    • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 cubes) butter
    • 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
    • 3/4 teaspoon chicken bouillon base (such as Better than Bouillon)
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
    • 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
    • 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 3/4 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Lasagna Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and dried oregano. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Spinach Mixture: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped mushrooms, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until mushrooms are tender and onions are translucent. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chicken bouillon base, stirring until fragrant. Sprinkle in all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper, whisking continuously to form a roux. Gradually pour in heavy whipping cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Assemble Lasagna: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom. Layer cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the sautéed spinach mixture and shredded chicken. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of Alfredo sauce on top.
  6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle freshly shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Allow the Chicken Alfredo Lasagna to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Allow the dish to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
  • Vegetarian Version: Omit the shredded chicken for a delicious vegetarian option. Add extra sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

  • Keto Option: Replace lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a low-carb alternative. Use xanthan gum or guar gum as a thickening agent in the Alfredo sauce instead of flour. Ensure all other ingredients are keto-friendly and low in carbohydrates.
  • Low-Carb Option: Similarly, reduce the amount of ricotta and mozzarella cheese in the ricotta mixture and Alfredo sauce to lower the carb content. Opt for low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower or broccoli in place of lasagna noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe? Yes, pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Simply shred the cooked chicken and incorporate it into the lasagna layers as directed.
  2. Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Lasagna? Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
  3. What can I serve with Chicken Alfredo Lasagna? This lasagna pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of white wine also complements the creamy flavors of the dish.
  4. Can I customize the fillings in this lasagna? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the fillings to your liking. You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

In conclusion, Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a luxurious and satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of lasagna with the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce. With layers of tender chicken, savory spinach, and indulgent cheese, this lasagna offers a delicious twist on traditional Italian comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and hearty textures. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Chicken Alfredo Lasagna!