Chicken Alfredo Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna: Prepare to experience lasagna like never before! Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic Italian comfort food, because we’re about to elevate it to a whole new level of creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible deliciousness. Imagine layers of tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, all baked to golden perfection. Sounds divine, right?

While the exact origins of lasagna are debated, with some tracing it back to ancient Rome, its modern form is undoubtedly Italian. Over the centuries, countless variations have emerged, each reflecting regional ingredients and culinary traditions. But this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna takes a delightful detour from the traditional tomato-based sauce, embracing the luxurious creaminess of Alfredo.

People adore this dish for so many reasons! The combination of savory chicken and the decadent Alfredo sauce is simply heavenly. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the slight chewiness of the lasagna noodles, creating a symphony of sensations in every bite. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Who can resist a warm, comforting slice of cheesy goodness? I know I can’t!

Ingredients:

• For the Alfredo Sauce:
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• For the Chicken Filling:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Cheese Mixture:
• 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Other:
• 9 lasagna noodles, oven-ready (no-boil)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparing the Alfredo Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
2. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Simmering helps the sauce to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
3. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of cheese remaining.
4. Season the Sauce: Season the Alfredo sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a smaller amount of salt and add more to your preference.
5. Keep Warm: Cover the saucepan to keep the Alfredo sauce warm while you prepare the other components of the lasagna. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.

Preparing the Chicken Filling:

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken breasts using your preferred method (baking, poaching, or grilling). Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly and then shred it using two forks. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Shredded Chicken and Seasonings: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet along with the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Chicken Broth and Parsley: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the broth has slightly reduced. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
5. Season to Taste: Season the chicken filling with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Set Aside: Remove the skillet from the heat and set the chicken filling aside.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix Well: Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Set Aside: Set the cheese mixture aside until you are ready to assemble the lasagna.

Assembling the Chicken Alfredo Lasagna:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the lasagna from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer 1: Alfredo Sauce: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce (about 1 cup) evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer will help to keep the lasagna noodles from sticking and will add moisture to the bottom layer.
4. Layer 2: Lasagna Noodles: Arrange three lasagna noodles over the Alfredo sauce, overlapping them slightly if necessary to cover the entire bottom of the dish.
5. Layer 3: Cheese Mixture: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the lasagna noodles.
6. Layer 4: Chicken Filling: Spread half of the chicken filling evenly over the ricotta cheese mixture.
7. Layer 5: Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken filling.
8. Layer 6: Alfredo Sauce: Drizzle about 1 cup of Alfredo sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
9. Layer 7: Lasagna Noodles: Arrange another three lasagna noodles over the Alfredo sauce, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
10. Layer 8: Cheese Mixture: Spread the remaining ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the lasagna noodles.
11. Layer 9: Chicken Filling: Spread the remaining chicken filling evenly over the ricotta cheese mixture.
12. Layer 10: Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken filling.
13. Layer 11: Alfredo Sauce: Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the mozzarella cheese. Make sure the entire top layer is covered with sauce.
14. Layer 12: Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna for added flavor and browning.
15. Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the lasagna moist and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
16. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
17. Remove Foil and Bake Longer: Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature of the lasagna should reach 165°F (74°C).
18. Let Rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This will allow the lasagna to set and make it easier to slice.
19. Serve: Cut the Chicken Alfredo Lasagna into squares and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna isn’t just another lasagna recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! I truly believe this is a must-try dish for anyone who loves comfort food with a sophisticated twist. The creamy Alfredo sauce, the tender chicken, and the layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you and your family wanting more. It’s the kind of meal that makes a weeknight feel special and a weekend gathering unforgettable. Why is it a must-try? Because it’s surprisingly easy to make, even though it tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. The combination of the richness of the Alfredo with the savory chicken and the comforting pasta is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it both delicious and practical. Forget ordering takeout; this lasagna is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or incorporate some diced jalapeños into the chicken mixture. If you’re a fan of vegetables, consider adding some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the layers. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or use a plant-based chicken substitute. You could even try using different types of cheese, like provolone or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. * Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. * For a lighter version, use whole wheat lasagna noodles and a low-fat Alfredo sauce. * Make it ahead of time! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. * Individual Lasagnas: For portion control and elegant presentation, assemble the lasagna in individual ramekins. I’m so excited for you to try this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. Cooking should be fun, so relax, enjoy the process, and let your culinary imagination run wild. Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, comments, and variations in the comments section below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you make any substitutions? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share delicious recipes that you’ll love. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Chicken Alfredo Lasagna success! Print