This Marry Me Chicken Lasagna is a cozy and creamy delight! It layers tender chicken, rich cheese, and a flavorful sauce that will make you want seconds (or thirds!).
Honestly, they say this dish can win hearts, and I definitely believe it! I enjoy making this for special dinners and can’t help but smile at all the happy faces around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
No-boil lasagna noodles: These noodles make preparation easier since they don’t require pre-cooking. If you prefer, regular lasagna noodles will work, but you’ll need to boil them first according to package instructions.
Chicken breasts: I use boneless and skinless chicken to keep things simple and light. If you need a substitution, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver!
Sun-dried tomatoes: They add a nice punch of flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh tomatoes (just make sure they’re really ripe) or leave them out altogether for a milder taste, keeping the dish creamy and delicious.
Cheeses: Ricotta and mozzarella are classic choices here. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta, and you can use a reduced-fat mozzarella. Parmesan can also be swapped for pecorino for a sharper flavor.
How Do You Get the Right Flavor in Your Chicken Filling?
The chicken filling is all about layering flavors. Start with cooking your chicken simply, but don’t skip the step of adding garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. These ingredients create depth and really enhance the dish.
- Cook chicken in a hot skillet to get nice browning, which adds flavor.
- Add garlic just before the tomatoes to avoid burning it, which can turn bitter.
- Use fresh herbs if possible; they enhance the dish even more than dried ones.
With these tips, your Marry Me Chicken Lasagna will be packed with flavors! Enjoy cooking and impressing your loved ones!
Marry Me Chicken Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
For the Cream Sauce:
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Marry Me Chicken Lasagna requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 40 minutes for baking, plus a short resting time of 10 minutes before serving. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour to create and enjoy this scrumptious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when your lasagna is assembled and ready to bake.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Mix the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning into the chicken. Let those flavors meld for a couple of minutes before you set the mixture aside.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until it’s all well combined.
5. Make the Cream Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the heavy cream and chicken broth. Heat this over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Add the chopped spinach and let it cook until just wilted, then remove it from the heat.
6. Assemble the Lasagna:
Start by spreading a thin layer of the cream and spinach mixture at the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay down 3 of the no-boil lasagna noodles over this base.
7. Layer the Fillings:
Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the chicken mixture. Repeat this process by layering noodles, another third of the ricotta mixture, and the rest of the chicken mixture.
8. Finish Assembly:
On top of the last layer, place the remaining 3 noodles, followed by the rest of the cream and spinach sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over everything.
9. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let It Rest:
Once baked, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit, making it easier to cut and serve.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and utterly delightful Marry Me Chicken Lasagna!
This dish is perfect for impressing loved ones and celebrating special occasions. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Regular Lasagna Noodles Instead of No-Boil?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles! Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before layering them in the lasagna. This will help prevent them from being crunchy.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Something Else?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and works perfectly here. You can also use sliced turkey breast or keep it vegetarian by adding more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna in advance and store it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.