Chicken alfredo lasagna

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of Alfredo sauce with layers of tender pasta, shredded chicken, and rich cheese. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious homemade meal. With a total cooking time of just over an hour, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Ingredients

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Lasagna:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded, rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully melted and bubbling.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
3. Incorporate Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Add Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3: Prepare the Lasagna Layers

1. Mix Chicken and Ricotta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix until well combined.
2. Prepare Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If using no-boil noodles, you can use them directly.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Start with Sauce: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom.
2. Layer Noodles: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
3. Add Chicken Mixture: Spread half of the chicken and ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of Alfredo sauce, and then sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process: noodles, chicken mixture, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese. You should have about 3 layers total, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with Alfredo sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Final Touch: Drizzle any remaining Alfredo sauce over the top layer of cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Brown: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Cool: Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
2. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

• Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality butter, cream, and cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella will melt better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Customize the Chicken: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make Ahead: This lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 30g

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese in every bite. It’s a wonderful way to elevate a classic lasagna recipe into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply indulging in a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to please.

With its rich flavors and creamy texture, Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a dish that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite