Description
Creamy chicken spinach skillet lasagna brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dinners with its rich, layered flavors. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and wilted spinach create a one-pan wonder that promises delicious satisfaction and minimal cleanup for hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Main Ingredients:
- 10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sear chicken breasts in olive oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper until one side turns golden brown.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a simmering liquid. Cover and cook chicken for 10-15 minutes until completely cooked through and no pink remains.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred into tender, bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Return skillet to heat and pour heavy cream, mixing in dried basil and garlic powder. Add broken lasagna noodles, ensuring complete sauce coverage.
- Simmer noodles, covered, for approximately 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until noodles become tender.
- Incorporate half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, shredded chicken, and fresh spinach into the skillet. Season with additional salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Gently stir until spinach wilts and ingredients blend seamlessly. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to allow cheese to melt completely and flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for added visual appeal and taste complexity.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and quick-cooking results, ensuring even browning and easy shredding.
- Noodle Hack: Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before cooking to create a more rustic, one-pan meal that’s easier to serve and eat.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this dish suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
- Meal Prep Tip: This skillet lasagna can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient weeknight dinner option that tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 33-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg