This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a creamy twist on the classic dish! With tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and layers of pasta cooked all in one pan, it’s perfect for busy nights.
Honestly, I love that it’s made in just one skillet—fewer dishes to wash! Plus, it comes together so quickly. Who doesn’t enjoy a delicious meal that’s so easy to make? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. You can easily substitute with rotisserie chicken for convenience, or use turkey if you prefer.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you might try Neufchâtel cheese, which has lower fat content and works similarly.
Cheese: I love using a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for this dish. If you can’t find Parmesan, Asiago or Pecorino Romano are good alternatives. For mozzarella, you can use provolone for a different flavor.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These are the easiest option as they cook in the sauce. In a pinch, regular lasagna noodles can work; just cook them according to the package directions first.
How Do I Make a Creamy White Sauce Without Clumping?
Creating a smooth white sauce is key to keeping this dish creamy. Here’s how to avoid clumps and achieve a luscious texture:
- Start with softened cream cheese; this helps it melt easily. Cube it before adding to the skillet for quicker melting.
- Once you’ve added the milk and chicken broth, whisk continuously to dissolve any lumps. A hand whisk works great for this!
- Keep the heat low when adding milk and broth—high heat can cause the cream cheese to clump. Patience is key!
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6-8 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you should set aside about 40 minutes to have this creamy White Chicken Skillet Lasagna ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Begin by heating olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—this step adds a lovely depth of flavor to your dish!
3. Make the Creamy White Sauce:
Now, lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir it until it’s melted and well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until everything is smooth and well blended.
4. Add Cheeses and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and your sauce is nice and creamy. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and the remaining Italian seasoning.
5. Add Noodles:
Carefully add the broken lasagna noodles to the sauce, gently stirring to make sure they’re submerged. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking, until they are tender.
6. Add Chicken and Top with Cheese:
Once the noodles are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet and give it a good mix. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for that delicious cheesy layer!
7. Broil to Finish:
Now, it’s time to give your dish a beautiful golden top! Place the skillet under the oven broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Just keep an eye on it—broilers can be sneaky!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the oven, and give it a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it warm right from the skillet, and enjoy this comforting, creamy goodness.
Now you have a delightful White Chicken Skillet Lasagna, perfect for a quick, cozy meal! Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Cooked Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Using cooked rotisserie chicken is a great workaround. Just shred or chop it, and add it during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through and combine with the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
No worries! You can use regular lasagna noodles; just cook them according to the package directions before adding them to the sauce. It’s a slight adjustment, but the end result will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream cheese to incorporate them into the sauce. They’ll add great flavor and nutrition!
