Skillet Chicken Lasagna: Quick, Comforting Family Dinner
A quick, flavor-packed family meal that turns pantry staples into something special.
Skillet Chicken Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but traditional recipes often require layers, long bake times, and several pans. Enter the Skillet Chicken Lasagna: a one-pan meal that brings all the best lasagna flavors—with chicken as the star—in a fast and family-friendly format.
Why Skillet Lasagna?
Skillet lasagna is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave lasagna’s cozy flavor but want to keep things simple. Instead of layering noodles and cheeses in a casserole dish, you use a skillet to combine sautéed chicken, marinara sauce, pasta, and classic Italian cheeses. The result: dinner on the table in under an hour, minimal cleanup, and maximum comfort food satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. bowtie pasta — Cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — Sliced or diced
- 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
- Salt, to taste
- 1 medium onion — Diced
- 2 cloves garlic — Minced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 jar marinara sauce — 14-16 oz., good quality
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 12 basil leaves — Chiffonade or chopped
- Extra cheese and basil, for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the Pasta
Prepare bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and Italian seasoning (or Herbes de Provence). Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. - Cook the Vegetables
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. - Deglaze and Reduce Broth
Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 23 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly. - Add Sauce and Simmer
Stir in marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce gently for 10 minutes to deepen the flavors. - Combine Everything
Turn off the heat. Add the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil to the skillet. Top with reserved cooked chicken. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and melt the cheeses. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Serve
Spoon into bowls or plates. Garnish with extra cheese and fresh basil as desired.
Tips for Best Results
- Use Quality Marinara: The sauce is keychoose one you love, or make your own for richer flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Sauté just until golden to keep chicken tender.
- Customize Cheese: Try mixing cheeses; add provolone, fontina, or asiago for a unique twist.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil brightens the finished dish and adds classic Italian aroma.
Ingredient Variations
| Ingredient | Substitute | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bowtie Pasta | Penne, rotini, or traditional lasagna noodles (broken) | Adjusts texture; fits pantry inventory |
| Chicken Breast | Rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based ‘chicken’ | Speeds prep, suits dietary needs |
| Ricotta Cheese | Cottage cheese or mascarpone | Lowers fat; changes creaminess |
| Italian Seasoning | Dried oregano & thyme mix | Balances flavors; suits availability |
| Marinara Sauce | Homemade tomato sauce, arrabbiata, or pesto cream | Raises complexity; personalizes taste |
Expert Advice: Making Skillet Meals Work
Skillet one-dish recipes are popular with home cooks for their speed and convenience. Here’s how to maximize flavor and texture in skillet lasagna:
- Layering in a Skillet: Instead of traditional layered lasagna, mix ingredients so that pasta is evenly coated and chicken is well distributed.
- Faster Cooking: Sauté and simmer steps happen in succession, reducing total cook time.
- Single-Pan Clean-Up: Fewer dishes means less effort after dinner.
Why Chicken?
Chicken is a lean protein that absorbs Italian seasonings beautifully and cooks quickly. Unlike beef lasagna, chicken lasagna feels lighter, making it suitable for spring or summer dinners as well as hearty winter suppers. For even quicker prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded and tossed in the skillet at the end.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Serve with crisp green salad and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread rounds out the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini or bell peppers pair well with Italian flavors.
- Wine Pairing: Try a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a fruity red such as Sangiovese.
What others are reading
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare sauce and chicken mixture a day ahead, then add pasta and cheese when ready to serve.
- Freezing: This dish is best eaten fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
*Actual nutrition may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes. You can substitute with ground turkey, sausage, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for substance.
What other pasta shapes work?
Penne, rotini, shells, or broken lasagna noodles are all good options. Just cook according to package directions and drain before adding.
Is skillet lasagna freezer-friendly?
Skillet chicken lasagna can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth if needed to revive the sauce.
Pro Tips for Customizing Flavor
- Add Extra Veggies: Spinach, kale, or shredded carrots can go in with the onion and garlic.
- Try Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or toss in chopped hot peppers for heat.
- Go Herbaceous: Chopped fresh oregano, parsley, or chives add color and freshness.
Quick Pesto Chicken Lasagna Skillet Variant
For a bright, herby twist, try pesto chicken lasagna skillet by swapping marinara for store-bought pesto, adding greens like kale, and finishing with ricotta and fresh basil. This variant delivers creamy, aromatic comfort in 45 minutes, using similar techniques and swapping flavors for a new spin on the original.
Why Families Love It
- Kid Approved: Familiar flavors from chicken, pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese appeal to all ages.
- Minimal Effort: Fast prep, a single pan, and easy clean-up make it ideal for rushed evenings or weekends.
- Flexible: Ingredients can be swapped or increased to suit picky or adventurous eaters alike.
Final Thoughts
This skillet chicken lasagna blends classic lasagna comfort with the speed and simplicity of skillet cooking. Versatile, satisfying, and ideal for busy families, it’s a modern update you’ll turn to again and again. With endless room for customization, this is a recipe to adapt, enjoy, and share.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta cooked according to the package for a gluten-free version.
How can I make it creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or add extra ricotta for more richness and creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, make ahead and store individual portions in airtight containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the onion and garlic sauté step for added nutrition.
References
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