This Marry Me Chicken Lasagna is a creamy and cheesy delight! With layers of tender chicken, rich sauce, and melted cheese, it’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table.
I mean, who can resist a dish that promises to get you married? 😂 I love making it for special occasions or just a cozy night in. Comfort food at its best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work well, but you can use no-boil noodles for convenience. Just remember to adjust cooking times as they may need a little less sauce and extra moisture.
Chicken: I usually opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, just shred it and mix it in! You could also use turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream adds richness, you can substitute half-and-half or a mix of chicken broth and milk for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the sauce might not be as thick and creamy.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, feel free to use fresh tomato, or skip this ingredient entirely. For a different flavor, consider adding roasted red peppers instead.
Cheese: I love using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for flavor and texture. If you’re in the mood for something different, try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for extra zest!
How Do You Create the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Making the sauce for this lasagna is key for great results. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After sautéing the chicken and garlic, reduce the heat before adding cream and broth. This helps prevent the cream from curdling.
- Stir continuously after adding the cheeses until they melt. This takes around 4-5 minutes, and patience goes a long way to achieving that smooth, creamy texture.
Also, remember to taste! Adjust seasonings before layering. Adding salt and pepper to your personal preference makes a huge difference.
Marry Me Chicken Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 35 minutes to bake. With a total time of approximately 55 minutes, you’ll have a beautiful, creamy dish ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake your lasagna. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or foil to keep them from sticking together.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper for flavor. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through.
4. Sauté Seasonings:
Now, add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté everything together for 1-2 minutes until it’s all fragrant and delicious!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, letting it simmer for around 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the Parmesan cheese and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is beautifully blended.
6. Season the Sauce:
Taste your creamy sauce and add Italian seasoning, plus any additional salt and pepper, if desired. This step is essential to customize the flavor just to your taste!
7. Layering the Lasagna:
In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the creamy chicken sauce on the bottom. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
8. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spread about one-third of the remaining chicken sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle with a portion of the shredded mozzarella and some chopped fresh basil or parsley.
9. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layers two more times (noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and herbs), ensuring that the last layer ends with the mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Rest and Serve:
Once done, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes it easier to serve.
12. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your beautiful lasagna with extra basil or parsley. Serve warm, and prepare for everyone to be thrilled with this delightful dish!
This rich, creamy lasagna with tender chicken, cheesy layers, and a slight kick from red pepper flakes is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy your meal and the compliments that come with it!
Can I Use Store-Bought Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! You can save time by using no-boil lasagna noodles. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and adjust the sauce quantity if needed for moisture.
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm gently in the oven until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Lasagna?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of balancing the moisture to ensure the sauce doesn’t get too watery.
