Chicken Ala Roma
Creamy chicken lasagna with rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2/3 cup butter, divided ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon tarragon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided ⓘ
- 2 cups diced, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 cups light cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Swiss or Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. lasagna noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion in 2 tablespoons butter until tender; add tomatoes, undrained mushrooms, tarragon, basil, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Stir in cooked, diced chicken.
- Melt remaining butter in a saucepan.
- Blend flour and remaining salt into the melted butter.
- Add light cream and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in dry white wine.
- Pour 1/3 of the tomato sauce over the bottom of a 2-quart shallow casserole.
- Spoon 1/3 of the wine sauce over the tomatoes.
- Top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers as needed and bake until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. If you don't have Swiss or Mozzarella cheese, try using provolone or even ricotta for a creamier texture. To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Make sure to let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Ala Roma alongside a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white wine. For a heartier option, consider serving with Garlic Bread or a side of roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal. If it seems dry, add a splash of cream or broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Ala Roma contains roughly 1090 calories, with 46g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (149% of the Daily Value), calcium (133% of the Daily Value), and protein (92% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1538mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Ala Roma ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it without baking and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is it possible to freeze Chicken Ala Roma?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Ala Roma before baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, ensuring it's heated through before serving.
What can I substitute for light cream in this recipe?
If you don't have light cream, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream for a similar consistency. Just keep in mind that using a lower-fat option may result in a slightly less rich sauce, but it will still be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).