Marry Me Chicken Lasagna is a creamy and cheesy delight that will have everyone asking for seconds! It’s made with tender chicken, rich sauce, and layers of pasta that melt in your mouth.
This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Trust me, your loved ones will definitely want to marry you over a plate of this deliciousness! 😄 I love serving it with a side salad for extra crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular noodles give that classic texture, but no-boil noodles are so convenient! If you’re gluten-free, you can find gluten-free lasagna noodles widely available.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, and it adds great flavor. If you’re vegetarian, consider using sautéed mushrooms or a veggie mix instead.
Cheeses: Cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella are all key to the creamy texture. For a lighter option, try cottage cheese. If you want to switch things up, use goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist!
Heavy Cream: This makes the dish rich and delicious! You can substitute it with half-and-half for less fat, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Layered Lasagna?
Layering lasagna properly is essential for balanced flavors and textures. Start with a little sauce on the bottom so the noodles don’t stick. Use enough filling in each layer but don’t overload it; you want even cooking.
- Spread sauce first, then lay down noodles with slight overlap.
- Add one-third of the filling, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat this process for two more layers, finishing with the remaining filling on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella last for that golden, bubbly finish.
Letting the lasagna rest after baking is key! This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Marry Me Chicken Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious Marry Me Chicken Lasagna will take about 20 minutes to prep, followed by 40 minutes of cooking time, and a resting period of 10-15 minutes. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, boil them according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them together until they’re fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma!
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken to the skillet. Season the mixture with oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine and allow it to warm through for about 2 minutes.
4. Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious filling!
5. Combine Chicken and Cheese Mixtures
Now, add the cooked chicken mixture into the creamy cheese mixture. Stir well to combine everything. The flavors are going to be fantastic!
6. Start Layering
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the chicken and cheese mixture at the bottom. This will help the noodles not stick.
7. Layer the Noodles and Filling
Place 3 lasagna noodles over the mixture. Next, spread about one-third of the chicken and cheese mixture over the noodles evenly. Repeat this process two more times, ensuring you end with a final layer of the cheese mixture on top.
8. Top with Mozzarella
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on the very top to create that golden, delicious crust.
9. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep it moist and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Cool & Garnish
Once baked, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period helps it set and makes slicing easier.
11. Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish your lasagna with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting Marry Me Chicken Lasagna with family and friends! It’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to the lasagna. Just shred or chop the chicken before mixing it into the filling.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half works well as a substitute for heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a great alternative that still adds richness to the dish!
Can I Freeze Leftover Lasagna?
Yes, you can! Allow the lasagna to cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.
How Do I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the lasagna up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
