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Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. This easy-to-make recipe combines layers of creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.
Pure Comfort Food
I created this recipe when I was craving something different from traditional tomato-based lasagna and it's become a family favorite. The way the creamy Alfredo sauce mingles with tender chicken and melty cheese creates such incredible layers of flavor. Plus it's so versatile I can make it ahead for busy weeknights or serve it at special gatherings.
What You'll Need
- Chicken Tenders: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken tenders seasoned with salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing and starting the Alfredo sauce.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely diced for added flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced or finely chopped for a robust flavor base.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons to thicken the sauce.
- Milk and Cream: 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of cream for a rich, velvety sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated for optimal flavor.
- Spinach: 2 cups of fresh spinach to add nutrients and a touch of freshness.
- Lasagna Sheets: 14-15 sheets, cooked al dente.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups, shredded for melty layers.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning for balanced flavors.
Let's Make It Together
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a hot skillet with olive oil for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let rest, chop into small chunks, and toss in its own juices.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Melt butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach until wilted.
- Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9x13" baking dish. Layer lasagna sheets, sauce, chicken, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat for three layers, finishing with sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake and Serve
- Cover with foil (use toothpicks to prevent sticking). Bake for 40 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley.
Making It Perfect
Through many batches of this lasagna I've learned some crucial tips. Always let your sauce thicken properly before layering it really makes a difference in the final texture. Those toothpicks in the foil are a game-changer preventing that annoying cheese stick situation. And don't skip the resting time after baking it helps everything set up perfectly for serving.
Keeping It Fresh
This lasagna actually tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have had time to meld together. I store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week and if I'm planning ahead I'll sometimes make two and freeze one for later. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use toothpicks when covering with foil?
Toothpicks act as tent poles to prevent the foil from touching and sticking to the cheese topping, preserving the appearance of the finished dish.
- → Why let it rest for 15 minutes?
Resting allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to slice cleanly. It also prevents burning your mouth on too-hot cheese.
- → Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
While you can, freshly grated parmesan provides better melting and flavor in the alfredo sauce. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
- → Why cook pasta to al dente?
Al dente pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Starting with fully cooked pasta would result in mushy layers in the finished dish.
- → Why broil at the end?
Broiling creates a golden, slightly crispy top layer of cheese that adds visual appeal and textural contrast to the creamy interior.
Conclusion
This unique lasagna combines seasoned chicken tenders with a rich spinach alfredo sauce and layers of pasta and cheese. While it takes about 100 minutes total, most is hands-off baking time.