If you have ever dreamed of a comfort food that blends rich creaminess with hearty layers of chicken and pasta, this Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender shredded rotisserie chicken enveloped in a velvety Alfredo sauce that’s bursting with Parmesan and ricotta, layered lovingly between perfectly cooked noodles and topped with golden, melty mozzarella. Every bite offers indulgence paired with a fresh touch of spinach, making this dish both satisfying and elegantly flavorful. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing a unique flavor or texture to make your Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna shine. From creamy cheeses to fresh spinach and savory chicken, they combine to create a dish that’s rich, smooth, and utterly irresistible.
- Unsalted butter: Used to sauté the garlic and onions, it provides a rich base for flavor development without overpowering the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a fragrant punch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
- Fresh baby spinach: Brings a vibrant color and subtle earthiness while adding a touch of freshness.
- Heavy cream: The creamy heart of the Alfredo sauce, creating that luscious texture everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with a savory, nutty flavor essential for authentic Alfredo taste.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy texture and mild sweetness to balance the sharp Parmesan.
- Black pepper: Just a hint to awaken the flavors and add a gentle spice.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste, crucial for a well-rounded dish.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenient and flavorful, it brings tender, juicy protein without extra prep.
- Cooked lasagna noodles: The sturdy layers that hold everything together and provide hearty bites.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, golden topping that gives the lasagna its irresistible cheesy crust.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Alfredo Base
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing them until the onion becomes translucent, which usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes. This foundational step fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma that sets the stage for the creamy sauce to come.
Step 2: Wilt the Spinach
Next, toss in the fresh baby spinach and stir it continuously in the hot skillet until it wilts down completely within 2 to 3 minutes. This step ensures the spinach integrates smoothly into the sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavors or the creamy texture you’re building.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in 4 cups of heavy cream and allow it to gently simmer. Slowly add the grated Parmesan, ricotta cheese, black pepper, and salt while stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, creating a rich and velvety mixture full of flavor and depth.
Step 4: Add Chicken
Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly throughout the Alfredo sauce. This ensures that every spoonful of your lasagna will have tender bites of chicken mingled perfectly with the smooth sauce. Once mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from heat to prepare for layering.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13 inch deep baking dish, start by spreading a generous spoonful of the chicken Alfredo mixture to cover the bottom. Lay down about 5 cooked lasagna noodles on top, carving out the perfect canvas for the layers.
Step 6: Repeat Layers
Continue by spooning a substantial amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture over the noodles and sprinkling one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Keep layering noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese until you’ve used all 15 noodles. This layered approach guarantees a harmony of flavors and textures in every slice.
Step 7: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This step allows all the layers to meld together perfectly while heating the dish evenly.
Step 8: Broil to Finish
Remove the foil and broil the lasagna for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely as the mozzarella browns and bubbles into an irresistible golden crust that will make your mouth water at the sight.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Allow your masterpiece to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the layers set up nicely so you get clean, luscious slices that hold together beautifully on the plate.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top not only brings a beautiful pop of green but also complements the creamy richness with a fresh, herbaceous note. A slight dusting of extra Parmesan can enhance presentation and flavor as well.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness with a refreshing bite. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls make terrific companions, perfect for soaking up leftover Alfredo sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins layered just like the big dish, giving each guest their own personal lasagna. Alternatively, top slices with a drizzle of pesto or a few sun-dried tomatoes for colorful contrast and additional flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover lasagna to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. This recipe’s moisture and cheese content keep it creamy even after refrigeration, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze portions or the entire dish before baking by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen lasagna is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 months, retaining that fresh-from-the-oven taste after reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes for a whole dish or less for individual slices. Removing foil in the last few minutes helps recapture that cheesy, bubbly top layer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken adds a convenient flavorful punch, you can use leftover cooked chicken breast, thighs, or even shredded turkey. Just ensure the meat is already cooked and shredded for best results in texture and flavor balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even plant-based chicken alternatives. The creamy Alfredo sauce and cheeses will still provide a luscious mouthfeel and rich flavors that satisfy.
What kind of lasagna noodles work best?
Traditional cooked lasagna noodles are ideal as they create sturdy layers with a smooth texture. If preferred, no-boil noodles can be used, but you might need to adjust moisture levels in the sauce slightly to ensure proper softness.
Can I prepare the lasagna completely in advance?
You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep easier and lets the flavors meld even further. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
How do I make sure the lasagna doesn’t get too watery?
Cooking off excess moisture by sautéing spinach thoroughly and ensuring the Alfredo sauce is thickened before layering helps prevent watery lasagna. Also, avoid over-saucing the noodles during assembly, and make sure to bake it covered, then uncovered for browning as recipes direct.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a warm hug on a plate that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, its creamy, cheesy layers with tender chicken and vibrant spinach make for a memorable feast. Give this recipe a try today and enjoy all the comfort and joy it brings!
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Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna features layers of tender cooked lasagna noodles, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce with fresh spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, and a blend of Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a golden bubbly top, this comforting Italian-American dish serves 12 and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Alfredo Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
Vegetables
- 10 ounces fresh baby spinach
Alfredo Sauce
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Protein and Pasta
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 15 cooked lasagna noodles
Cheese Topping
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Alfredo Base: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic cloves and chopped onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes, to release aromatic flavors.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and stir continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down completely and integrates with the base flavors.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to gently simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, black pepper, and salt. Stir constantly until the cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens slightly, forming a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken thoroughly, ensuring the meat is evenly coated in the Alfredo sauce. Heat through and then remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Layer the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a large spoonful of the chicken Alfredo mixture to coat the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch deep baking dish. Arrange about 5 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue layering noodles, Alfredo mixture, and mozzarella cheese until all fifteen noodles and sauces are used, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the assembled dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This bakes the pasta fully while allowing the sauce to meld with the layers.
- Broil to Finish: Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes until the cheese topping becomes golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This resting step allows the layers to set, making slicing easier and enhancing the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor, or substitute with cooked shredded chicken breast.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be substituted.
- Ensure lasagna noodles are fully cooked or no-boil type to get tender layers after baking.
- Baking covered prevents drying out, while the broil step adds a delicious golden cheese crust.
- Resting the lasagna before serving helps the sauce thicken and hold the layers intact for neat slices.
- For a lighter version, you can reduce heavy cream quantity or use half-and-half, although sauce richness will vary.
