Stovetop Chicken Lasagna: A Fast, Flavorful Skillet Classic
Skip the oven and messy layers for speedy lasagna flavor straight from your skillet.
Stovetop Chicken Lasagna: Easy Comfort in One Pan
Lasagna is a universally beloved comfort food, but traditional recipes can feel daunting with their multiple layers, boiling noodles, and long oven times. This stovetop chicken lasagna reinvents the classic into a fast, satisfying skillet dinner that brings all the hearty, cheesy goodness—without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a simple, hearty meal, this recipe is designed for ease, speed, and flavor.
Why Stovetop Lasagna?
Stovetop lasagna isn’t just a cooking shortcut. It’s a solution for:
- Weeknight speed—Skip the oven and layering; everything comes together in one skillet.
- Flexible ingredients—Swap proteins or cheeses based on what you have.
- Less mess—Clean just one pan, not a pile of pots and bakeware.
- Big flavor—The sauce simmers with chicken and aromatics, maximizing taste in less time.
This version uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, classic Italian cheeses, and a robust tomato sauce—all assembled and finished over your stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a rundown of the core components for stovetop chicken lasagna:
- Chicken: 2 whole boneless, skinless breasts (sliced or diced)
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle): 12 ounces, cooked and drained
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Italian seasoning (or Herbes de Provence): 1 tablespoon
- Salt: To taste
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 cup
- Marinara sauce: 1 14–16 ounce jar
- Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Ricotta cheese: 1/2 cup, whole milk
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, grated
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Basil: 12 leaves, chopped or chiffonade; extra for serving
Optional: Use white wine instead of chicken broth for a subtle twist. Swap bowtie pasta with any short pasta you love.
Step-by-Step: Making Stovetop Chicken Lasagna
- Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season chicken liberally with salt and Italian herbs. Sear chicken in the skillet until golden on both sides and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Remove and set aside; chop if not already diced.
- Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Deglaze and Reduce
Pour in chicken broth (or white wine). Use a wooden spoon to scrape the flavorful browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes so the broth reduces by half.
- Build the Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer together on medium-low for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and sauce thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Add Cheeses and Pasta
Turn off the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, and cooked chicken. Toss gently until everything is evenly combined and melty.
- Finish and Serve
Sprinkle extra Parmesan and basil on top before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Tips for Perfect Skillet Lasagna
- Use precooked pasta to speed up assembly and ensure tender noodles.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. A 12-inch skillet is optimal for mixing.
- Fresh basil adds brightness—add at the end to preserve its aroma.
- Quality marinara matters; choose a robust, savory sauce or make your own if you have time.
- Cheese variety: Mozzarella is classic, but try provolone or fontina for variation.
- For a lower-carb version, skip the pasta and serve the cheesy chicken mixture over sautéed vegetables or zucchini noodles.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This stovetop lasagna is highly customizable. Try:
- Meat options: Use rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian twist: Substitute chicken with mushrooms, spinach, or roasted eggplant.
- Pasta choices: Penne, rotini, or broken lasagna sheets all work well.
- Sauce upgrades: Stir in a spoonful of pesto for herbal depth or crushed red peppers for heat.
- Add-ins: Sautéed bell peppers, olives, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Stovetop chicken lasagna is an all-in-one meal, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Simple green salads (arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens)
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- Chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Weeknight Story: Lasagna for Hungry Families
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you arrive home late and hungry crowds expect a comforting meal. Its origins trace to a busy household—where a quick, hot dinner restores order and brings everyone together at the table. With minimal prep and simple steps, you can have homemade lasagna flavor in under an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the lasagna in the skillet up to the cheese-mixing step, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add extra cheese if desired.
Q: How do I keep the chicken tender?
A: Sear just until cooked through, then let it rest briefly before chopping or shredding. Add back to the skillet at the end to avoid drying out.
What others are reading
Q: Can I use leftover or pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely. Stir in cooked or rotisserie chicken when adding the cheeses and pasta. Reduce simmering time to prevent overcooking.
Q: What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
A: Substitute with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or additional mozzarella for creamy texture.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition and Storage
| Component | Approximate Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Store leftovers tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Recipe Recap
- Serves: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pan Required: 12-inch deep skillet or high-sided sauté pan
Skillet Chicken Lasagna Recipe Card
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 whole (sliced or diced) |
| Bowtie pasta (farfalle), cooked | 12 oz |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Italian seasoning (or Herbes de Provence) | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Marinara sauce | 1 jar (14–16 oz) |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 tsp |
| Ricotta cheese (whole milk) | 1/2 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Basil leaves, chopped | 12 leaves (+ extra for garnish) |
Conclusion
If you love lasagna but dread the multi-step process, this stovetop chicken lasagna delivers layered flavor and dinner-table comfort in less than an hour. With tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a vibrant tomato sauce, it’s sure to become a staple—bringing all the coziness of classic lasagna in one easy skillet.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
