Best 5 Hearty Chicken Lasagna Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that combines the comforting flavors of chicken, cheese, and pasta in perfect harmony: the hearty chicken lasagna. This classic Italian dish is elevated with tender chicken, a rich and flavorful sauce, and an abundance of melted cheese, all layered between delicate lasagna noodles. Discover the detailed recipe for this mouthwatering lasagna, along with variations and tips to create a dish that will impress your family and friends. Explore the secrets behind the perfect lasagna sauce, learn how to achieve the ideal texture for the noodles, and find creative ways to customize this versatile recipe. Whether you prefer a traditional meat-based lasagna or a vegetarian version packed with vegetables, this article has something for everyone. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more of this hearty and satisfying chicken lasagna.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHICKEN LASAGNA RECIPE



Chicken Lasagna Recipe image

This white sauce Chicken Lasagna is so satisfying with layers of lasagna noodles and tender chicken in a creamy spinach sauce.

Provided by Natasha Kravchuk

Categories     Easy/Medium

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 17

9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked from 2 lbs chicken breast)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups half and half ((or equal parts of heavy cream and milk))
5 oz fresh spinach (coarsely chopped)
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 garlic cloves (minced)
15 oz ricotta
1 large egg
1/4 cup parsley
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
3 cups mozzarella cheese (12 oz by weight, divided (reserve 1 cup for topping))

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions then drain hot water and add cold water to the pot to stop the cooking process and prevent noodles from sticking together. Shred 4 cups of chicken.
  • Place a pot or large saucepan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and saute onions for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add 4 Tbsp butter and whisk in 1/3 cup flour. Continue whisking 3 minutes or until flour mixture is golden.
  • Add 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups half and half, 2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth and simmer 5 minutes until thickened to a light gravy consistency.
  • Add minced garlic and chopped spinach, and stir to combine then remove from heat.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together: ricotta, egg, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup parmesan, and 1/4 cup parsley.
  • Add a little bechamel sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish, add 3 noodles, Add 1/2 ricotta sauce, 1/2 shredded chicken then ladle 1/3 of spinach sauce over the chicken.
  • Add 3 noodles, 1/2 ricotta cheese, 1/2 shredded chicken, and 1/3 spinach sauce
  • Add 3 noodles, remaining 1/3 sauce, and sprinkle on reserved 1 cup cheese.
  • Cover and Bake: Arrange 10-12 toothpicks over the top to keep the foil from touching the cheese then cover with a large sheet of foil. Bake on the center rack in a preheated oven at 375˚F for 45 minutes then uncover and broil 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese. Rest at least 10 minutes uncovered before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 18 g, Fat 19 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Sodium 670 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

HEARTY LASAGNA



Hearty Lasagna image

Here's a dish that's perfect to share with your sweetie! The heart on top is an easy touch which makes the lasagna extra special. Because you can make it ahead, you won't have to feel rushed when it's time to enjoy your meal. -Marcy Cella, L'Anse, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (28 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 carrots, halved
2 celery ribs, halved
12 ounces lasagna noodles
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic in oil until meat is browned and onion is tender; drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, salt and pepper. Place carrots and celery in sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. , Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain; rinse in cold water. Remove and discard carrots and celery. , In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, layer one-third of the noodles, one-third of the meat sauce, one-third of the ricotta, one-third of the mozzarella and one-third of the Parmesan. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining noodles and meat sauce. , Cut a heart out of aluminum foil and center on top of sauce. Dollop and spread remaining ricotta around heart. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes. Remove and discard foil heart. Let stand 10-15 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391 calories, Fat 16g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 790mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

CREAMY CHICKEN LASAGNA



Creamy Chicken Lasagna image

Craving comfort food? Try this creamy lasagna with layers of tasty chicken and four cheeses.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

12 uncooked lasagna noodles (12 oz)
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped onions (1 1/2 medium)
1/3 cup milk
2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 container (12 oz) small-curd cottage cheese
3 cups diced cooked chicken
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain noodles as directed on package.
  • Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook bell pepper and onions in butter, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender; remove from heat. Stir in milk, soup, basil and pepper.
  • Place 4 noodles in baking dish. Top with about 1 cup of the soup mixture, half of the cottage cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the chicken, 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Cheddar cheese. Repeat layers once, starting with noodles. Place remaining 4 noodles over top. Top with remaining soup mixture, mozzarella cheese and Cheddar cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.
  • Bake uncovered 50 to 55 minutes or until bubbly and hot in center. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 520, Carbohydrate 36 g, Cholesterol 95 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 40 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1230 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1/2 g

HEARTY MEAT LASAGNA



Hearty Meat Lasagna image

This classic layered pasta, sauce and cheese dish gets a zesty boost with the addition of chunky, chili sauce.

Provided by Heinz

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Heinzitup.com

Time 1h50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium (2-1/2" dia)s onions, peeled and chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
1 pound lean ground beef
½ pound lean ground pork, veal or crumbled sausage
4 cups Heinz® Tomato Juice
1 (455 ml) bottle Heinz® Chili Sauce, Chunky with Sweet Peppers
1 (156 ml) can Heinz Tomato Paste
1 tablespoon Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
12 noodles oven-ready lasagna noodles
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, garlic and dried herbs; cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until vegetables soften.
  • Crumble in beef and pork and brown all over, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato juice, chili sauce, tomato paste and Worcestershire Sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Spread 1/4 of the sauce in to a 13- x 9-in (3 L) casserole dish. Top with 3 noodles. Layer with 1/4 more sauce and 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layers twice, ending with cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348.3 calories, Carbohydrate 36.7 g, Cholesterol 56.6 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 22.5 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 914.8 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

HEARTY VEGETABLE LASAGNA



Hearty Vegetable Lasagna image

This hearty, vegetable lasagna is the only lasagna my husband will eat. We love it!!! Hope you all enjoy as much as we do.

Provided by Sue

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
¾ cup chopped green bell pepper
¾ cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 (26 ounce) jars pasta sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (15 ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Rinse with cold water, and drain.
  • In a large saucepan, cook and stir mushrooms, green peppers, onion, and garlic in oil. Stir in pasta sauce and basil; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Mix together ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, and eggs.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread 1 cup tomato sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer 1/2 each, lasagna noodles, ricotta mix, sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering, and top with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 462.5 calories, Carbohydrate 49.6 g, Cholesterol 76.9 mg, Fat 19.5 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 23.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 843.2 mg, Sugar 13.8 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your lasagna the best flavor. If possible, use organic or locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the lasagna.
  • Make sure the sauce is flavorful: The sauce is the heart of the lasagna, so make sure it's packed with flavor. Use a variety of herbs and spices, and simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese: Cheese is what makes lasagna so rich and decadent. Use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, to create a flavorful and gooey lasagna.
  • Let the lasagna rest before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld together and the lasagna to firm up. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

Chicken lasagna is a hearty and delicious meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make a lasagna that's sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give chicken lasagna a try.

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