Chicken And Cheese Lasagna
Creamy chicken and cheese lasagna layers tender noodles with savory chicken, rich cheeses, and a flavorful basil-infused sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this hearty dish offers comforting flavors with a delightful cheesy topping that enchants every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pimientos ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 cups ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1-1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and bell pepper in water over medium-high heat until tender.
- Add cream of chicken soup, chopped pimientos, milk, and dried basil; mix well to combine.
- Arrange half of the lasagna noodles in the bottom of an 11x7 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the soup mixture and half of the ricotta cheese over the noodles.
- Arrange half of the chopped cooked chicken on top of the ricotta layer.
- Sprinkle with half of the grated cheddar cheese and half of the grated parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining noodles, soup mixture, ricotta, chicken, and cheeses.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove cover and sprinkle with remaining cheddar and parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using cooked Italian Chicken or Marinated Italian Garlic Chicken instead of plain cooked chicken. You can also substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option. If you prefer a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the soup mixture. Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they’ll continue to cook while baking.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Chicken Vegetable Pasta Salad for a refreshing contrast or a light Italian-style dessert like tiramisu to finish the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken And Cheese Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Cheese Lasagna contains roughly 914 calories, with 34g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value), and protein (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1249mg per serving (54% 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 use other types of cheese in this lasagna?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the total amount of cheese remains similar to maintain the structure of the lasagna.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated through.
Is it possible to make this lasagna gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles available at most grocery stores. Just ensure all other ingredients, especially sauces and soups, are labeled gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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).