If you are craving a comforting twist on two classic favorites, you are in for such a treat with this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe. Imagine layers of tender lasagna noodles enveloping creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a luscious ricotta and spinach filling, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish brings together the rich flavors of a creamy Italian sauce with the heartiness of chicken and the cheesy goodness that lasagna lovers adore. It’s the perfect dish to share with family or friends when you want something both impressive and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe is simple but essential to achieving that perfect balance of richness, creaminess, and freshness. Each component plays a crucial role, from the smooth Alfredo sauce to the fresh spinach in the filling, creating layers of flavor and texture that harmonize beautifully.
- Butter (¼ cup): The foundation for creating a silky roux, which thickens the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Helps to thicken the sauce to that luscious creamy consistency.
- Minced garlic (5-6 cloves): Adds a fragrant, savory punch that elevates the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): Brings a delightful medley of herbs to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Chicken base or bouillon cubes (1 tablespoon): Deepens the savory notes, boosting the chicken flavor throughout.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Heavy cream (4 cups): Creates the rich, velvety body of the Alfredo sauce everyone craves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts into the sauce, giving it that classic cheesy tang.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and brighten all the flavors.
- Lasagna noodles (1 box): Use either traditional boiled or no-boil noodles, which create tender layers to hold all the fillings.
- Chopped cooked chicken (3 cups): Tender pieces bring heartiness and protein, making this lasagna a complete meal.
- Whole-fat ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Adds a creamy, mild layer that balances the rich Alfredo.
- Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained (15 ounces): Offers freshness and a subtle earthiness, plus an extra boost of greens.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (4 cups): Melts beautifully for that irresistible bubbly, golden top.
- Optional add-ins: Fresh basil, nutmeg, and crushed red pepper flakes add exciting flavor twists to the ricotta filling if you want some extra flair.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Start by gently melting butter and whisking in flour to create a smooth roux—a key step for that perfectly thickened Alfredo. Stir in minced garlic for incredible aroma, then season with Italian seasoning, chicken base, and onion powder. Slowly pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Finish by melting grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and then set it aside while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta if Needed
If you opted for traditional dry lasagna noodles, cook them in boiling salted water until al dente, then lay them flat to cool and prevent sticking. No-boil noodles are a fantastic shortcut and can be layered directly into the lasagna without pre-cooking, so choose what works best for your schedule and preference.
Step 3: Prepare the Spinach Ricotta Filling
Combine ricotta cheese with thoroughly drained chopped spinach; pressing firmly is critical to avoid watery layers. Liberally season this mixture with salt and pepper, and feel free to boost the flavor with nutmeg, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped basil. This creamy filling adds both indulgence and a refreshing green balance to each bite of the Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Set your oven to 350°F and ready a 9 x 13 inch baking dish for assembling your lasagna layers. This is where the magic comes together.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Start by spreading a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to keep noodles from sticking. Layer three noodles across the base, and then add a cup of chopped cooked chicken, a cup of the ricotta-spinach filling, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Spoon about one-third of the remaining Alfredo sauce over these ingredients, and then continue repeating these layers two more times. For the top layer, spread the Alfredo sauce before the final mozzarella cheese to create a beautifully golden and bubbling finish, typical for this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe.
Step 6: Bake Your Lasagna to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in, and bake for 30 minutes to meld the flavors and cook evenly. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes to achieve that golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping that calls everyone to the table.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few cracks of black pepper on top adds a fresh, fragrant pop to your lasagna just before serving. You can also scatter some additional Parmesan or a tiny morsel of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. These simple touches make your dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and crisp side dishes that balance the creamy richness, such as a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic roasted vegetables, or even some crusty bread to mop up every last creamy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, present the lasagna straight from the baking dish so everyone can help themselves to full, satisfying slices. For a fancier affair, slice individual portions and plate with a drizzle of extra Alfredo sauce around the edges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Even layering smaller versions in mini casserole dishes makes for charming individual servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness, and you’ll have ready-made comfort food that tastes just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes extremely well, making it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. Wrap the assembled or cooked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or cover the whole tray with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through and bubbling again. To prevent drying out, add a splash of cream or water before reheating if needed.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time without compromising the deliciousness of your Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe.
Is it necessary to thaw and drain the spinach?
Yes, removing as much water as possible from frozen spinach prevents your lasagna from becoming soggy, ensuring the filling stays creamy without excess moisture.
Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the Alfredo sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently while stirring before assembling your lasagna.
What’s the best cheese to use for topping?
Mozzarella is your best bet because it melts evenly and browns nicely, creating that perfect golden crust. You can also mix in some extra Parmesan for more cheesy depth.
Can I add vegetables other than spinach?
Definitely! While spinach is classic here, feel free to experiment with sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini to customize your Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and fresh greens in every bite. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that people will request again and again. So go ahead and treat yourself to this delicious comfort food classic—you won’t regret it!
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Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender cooked chicken, ricotta and spinach filling, and layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with traditional or no-boil lasagna noodles. Baked to golden perfection, this rich and comforting Italian-inspired casserole serves 12 and is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Alfredo Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chicken base (or 3 bouillon cubes)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna Layers
- 1 box lasagna noodles (traditional dried or no-boil)
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 15 ounce whole-fat ricotta cheese
- 15 ounce frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Add-ins
- Fresh basil
- Nutmeg
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Set a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the butter and flour, whisking to form a roux and cook for 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the Italian seasoning, chicken base, onion powder, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper then set aside off the heat.
- Cook the Pasta (if needed): If using traditional lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and lay noodles flat on a clean surface to cool.
- Make the Spinach Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with well-drained chopped spinach. Season generously with salt and pepper. Optionally add nutmeg, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped basil. Stir well to combine.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Lay three lasagna noodles across the bottom. Top with 1 cup chopped chicken, 1 cup ricotta mixture, and 1 ¼ cup mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining Alfredo sauce over the layer. Repeat two more times to make three complete layers, finishing with Alfredo sauce before the top layer of mozzarella cheese for best appearance.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- You can use either traditional lasagna noodles or no-boil noodles depending on your preference. If using no-boil, skip the boiling step.
- Be sure to thoroughly drain the thawed spinach to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna.
- Optionally enhance the ricotta filling with nutmeg, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Let the lasagna rest 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set for easier slicing.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
