Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Overview:
Creamy Chicken Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic lasagna, featuring a light white sauce and an exquisite taste. This recipe, which I’ve cherished for years, is perfect for those who adore the comforting flavors of lasagna but crave something a bit different. Utilizing boneless skinless chicken breast and a combination of aromatic herbs, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easily customizable and can be prepared ahead of time for those busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the recipe!
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 471.1 kcal
- Rating: 4.5 stars (based on 6 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup plum tomatoes
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 onion
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 1/2 tbsp flour
- 3 tsp dried tarragon
- 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 carrot
- 3 stalks celery
- 1 tbsp parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
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Prepare Chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken breast until it’s fully cooked. Once done, cut it into small cubes, ensuring they are less than 1/2 inch in size.
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Cook Noodles: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the lasagna noodles. Boil them in water until they are almost done. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them in cold water. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying while you prepare the sauce.
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Prepare Tomatoes: Drain the plum tomatoes and squeeze out any excess juice. Proceed to cut them into bite-sized cubes.
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Make the Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they become softened. Then, stir in the flour and continue cooking over low heat for an additional minute. Next, add the dried tarragon, basil, thyme, and the cooked chicken cubes to the pan. Gradually pour in the chicken stock along with milk or cream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to boil for approximately 1 minute.
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Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced carrots into the sauce and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender. Then, gently stir in the cubed tomatoes. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Once seasoned, remove the pan from heat.
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Layering: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon enough sauce onto the bottom of a 10×12-inch baking pan to cover it evenly. Arrange one-third of the prepared lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Then, add half of the chicken mixture on top of the noodles, followed by one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process with noodles, chicken mixture, and cheese. Finally, top the lasagna with the remaining noodles, ensuring it’s the final layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top layer of noodles.
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Bake: Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted.
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Broil: Once the lasagna is cooked through, uncover it and broil it under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until the cheese on top is slightly browned and bubbly.
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Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into it and serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Serving Suggestions:
Creamy Chicken Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and a side of garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of your favorite white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
Make-Ahead Tips:
This lasagna is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble it completely and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent any air from getting in. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy, just pop it in the oven and bake according to the instructions.
Final Thoughts:
Creamy Chicken Lasagna is a true culinary delight that will impress your family and friends alike. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and layers of cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! 🍽️✨