Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet Lasagna

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet Lasagna offers a rich and comforting twist on traditional lasagna, all made in one skillet. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach, this dish is perfect for a quick family dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on one side, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Simmer Chicken in Broth:
   Flip the chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
3. Shred the Chicken:
   Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce and Noodles:
   In the same skillet, add heavy cream, dried basil, and garlic powder to the chicken broth. Stir to combine. Add the broken lasagna noodles, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
5. Add Chicken, Cheese, and Spinach:
   Once the noodles are tender, stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded chicken, and spinach. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and remove from heat, allowing the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes.
7. Serve:
   Serve the Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet Lasagna hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Swap out the chicken for cooked ground turkey or Italian sausage.
• Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
   Yes, you can use no-boil noodles; just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
2. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
   You can substitute with vegetable broth or water, though chicken broth adds more flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   While best fresh, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it for a quick meal.
4. What other greens can I use?
   Kale or Swiss chard can be great alternatives to spinach.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
6. Can I add more cheese?
   Absolutely! Feel free to increase the cheese quantities to your liking.
7. How can I make it spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
8. Is there a vegetarian option?
   Yes, replace the chicken with a variety of vegetables and use vegetable broth.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
   It’s best to freeze before adding the cheese. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then combine and add cheese when reheating.
10. What should I serve with this dish?
    A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs well with this lasagna.

Conclusion

The Creamy Chicken Spinach Skillet Lasagna is a delightful, one-pan meal that combines comfort and convenience. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, it’s a dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights. Enjoy this creamy twist on a classic favorite!

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