This Skillet Chicken Lasagne delivers all the hearty comfort of a traditional lasagne without the time-consuming layering and baking. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, and a luscious blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, it’s a dish that combines simplicity with bold Italian flavors. Perfect for a weeknight meal or casual entertaining, this one-pot wonder saves time while delivering a rich, saucy, and cheesy delight. Garnished with fresh basil, it offers a vibrant, aromatic finish that will make your dining experience unforgettable.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced or diced
- 1 tablespoon 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 to 16 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, plus extra as needed
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, plus extra as needed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 12 fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade or chopped, plus more for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning and salt, then sear in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Deglaze the skillet by adding the chicken broth, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the cooked pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and basil.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, arranging it on top of the mixture. Adjust cheese and basil amounts to your liking.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan and basil, then serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Skillet Chicken Lasagne: A One-Pot Marvel for Busy Home Cooks
If you’re a fan of hearty Italian comfort food but often find yourself short on time, Skillet Chicken Lasagne might just become your new go-to dish. This recipe brings together all the beloved flavors of classic lasagne cheesy layers, savory marinara, and rich herbs into a single skillet that’s ready in just 40 minutes. Designed to simplify your kitchen routine without sacrificing flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without the hassle.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Dish
Traditional lasagne is a culinary masterpiece but can be time-intensive with its intricate layering and long baking times. Skillet Chicken Lasagne reimagines this Italian classic for the modern home cook by combining everything you love about the original in a one-pan, stovetop version. The result is a dish that’s as satisfying and flavorful as oven-baked lasagne but much quicker to prepare and clean up.
Using bow tie pasta instead of traditional lasagne sheets allows the dish to cook evenly and soak up the flavors of the rich marinara sauce. The inclusion of tender, seared chicken adds a hearty, protein-packed twist that makes this version not only unique but also irresistibly comforting. The cheeses mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan melt into the pasta and chicken, creating a creamy texture and depth of flavor that rivals any restaurant-quality dish.
The Beauty of One-Pot Cooking
One-pot meals like this Skillet Chicken Lasagne are a game-changer for busy households. Not only do they minimize the time spent washing up, but they also maximize the melding of flavors as the ingredients cook together in harmony. By building the dish in one skillet, the chicken juices, sautéed onions, garlic, and marinara sauce combine to create a rich and complex base. When the pasta is added, it absorbs all these wonderful flavors, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
This approach to cooking isn’t just practical; it’s also perfect for bringing out the best in your ingredients. The caramelized onions and garlic add sweetness, while the Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence lends a fragrant herbaceousness that elevates the entire dish. By the time the cheeses are stirred in, the skillet has transformed into a bubbling masterpiece of creamy, savory goodness.
A Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing Recipe
Skillet Chicken Lasagne is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. For example, you can swap out the chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a touch of cayenne. For those who enjoy extra creaminess, a dollop of mascarpone can be folded into the sauce alongside the ricotta.
This recipe also works beautifully for serving a crowd. With its generous portions and vibrant presentation, it’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends. You can easily double the recipe for larger groups or store leftovers for reheating the next day—the flavors only get better as they meld overnight.
Nutritional Highlights and Comforting Indulgence
While Skillet Chicken Lasagne is undeniably a comfort food, it also offers some surprising nutritional benefits. Chicken breast provides lean protein, while the use of low-sodium chicken broth and marinara sauce helps keep sodium levels in check. Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also brings antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to the table.
The balance of carbs from the pasta, fats from the cheeses, and protein from the chicken makes this dish a well-rounded meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger. For an even healthier twist, you can opt for whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles and reduce the cheese slightly without losing its creamy appeal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the most appealing aspects of Skillet Chicken Lasagne is its versatility across occasions. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner when you’re juggling a busy schedule, yet elegant and flavorful enough for entertaining guests. Its simplicity doesn’t compromise its ability to wow your family or friends, and it pairs wonderfully with a range of side dishes, from simple garlic bread to a fresh green salad.
The dish’s vibrant colors, with golden chicken pieces nestled among the red marinara and creamy white cheeses, make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkling of Parmesan, it’s a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.
Tips for Perfecting Your Skillet Chicken Lasagne
To ensure your Skillet Chicken Lasagne turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for a good-quality marinara sauce and fresh cheeses for the best flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercook the pasta when boiling, as it will continue to soften in the skillet.
- Balance the cheese: Adjust the amount of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan to suit your taste and desired creaminess.
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to plate.
Conclusion:
Skillet Chicken Lasagne is more than just a quick dinner solution it’s a testament to how simple ingredients and techniques can create a dish that’s both comforting and elevated. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual dinner, or simply indulging in a cozy meal at home, this recipe promises to deliver.
Its adaptability, ease of preparation, and unforgettable flavors make it a must-have addition to your recipe repertoire. The next time you’re craving the essence of lasagne without the fuss, pull out your skillet and let this dish work its magic. You’ll have a new favorite in no time.
