A rich, creamy, and comforting Italian-inspired dinner made with tender shredded chicken, layers of lasagna noodles, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. Every layer is packed with cheesy goodness and delicious garlic flavor. This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you crave a hearty homemade meal.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
– 2½ cups cooked shredded chicken
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ tsp Italian seasoning
– ½ tsp paprika
– ¼ tsp black pepper
– ½ tsp salt, or to taste
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Alfredo Sauce
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 3 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ tsp Italian seasoning
– ¼ tsp black pepper
– ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
– Pinch of nutmeg, optional
For the Cheese Filling
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– ½ tsp Italian seasoning
– ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Lasagna Layers
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente.
Drain carefully and arrange the noodles on a lightly oiled baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
If using oven-ready lasagna noodles, follow the package instructions instead.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cooked shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and coated with the seasonings.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.
Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Homemade Alfredo Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a smooth roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Cook for approximately 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Remove from heat.
Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Add one-third of the seasoned chicken.
Spoon Alfredo sauce evenly over the chicken.
Sprinkle with a little mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers two more times:
1. Lasagna noodles
2. Ricotta cheese mixture
3. Shredded chicken
4. Alfredo sauce
5. Mozzarella cheese
Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles, the remaining Alfredo sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
Make sure the top noodles are completely covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out.
Step 7: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the lasagna from the oven.
Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Helpful Cooking Tips
– Use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
– Do not overcook the lasagna noodles because they will continue cooking in the oven.
– Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest Alfredo sauce.
– Whisk the milk into the flour and butter mixture gradually to prevent lumps.
– Keep the Alfredo sauce slightly creamy rather than making it too thick.
– Cover the lasagna with foil during the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
– Allow the lasagna to rest before cutting so the layers hold together.
– If the sauce is too thick, add a little warm milk.
Recipe Variations
1. Chicken Spinach Alfredo Lasagna: Add 2 cups fresh spinach to the chicken filling and cook until wilted.
2. Chicken Mushroom Alfredo Lasagna: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms sautéed with garlic.
3. Bacon Chicken Alfredo Lasagna: Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers.
4. Extra Cheesy Version: Add provolone or Monterey Jack cheese for extra richness.
5. Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Lasagna: Add 1 cup steamed, chopped broccoli to the chicken filling.
6. Low-Carb Version: Replace traditional lasagna noodles with thin zucchini slices. Pat them dry and roast briefly before assembling to reduce excess moisture.
7. Gluten-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free lasagna noodles and a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna pairs beautifully with:
– Garlic bread
– Fresh Caesar salad
– Roasted broccoli
– Garlic butter green beans
– Mediterranean cucumber salad
– Roasted zucchini
– Steamed asparagus
– Fresh tomato and basil salad
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions or the entire assembled lasagna for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Reheating in the Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave: Place an individual portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely and heat in intervals until hot.
Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake until the center is hot and reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow extra baking time if starting cold.
Freezing Tip: For best results, freeze before baking or freeze fully cooled portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings.
– Calories: 620
– Protein: 42g
– Carbohydrates: 43g
– Fat: 31g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 6g
– Sodium: 850mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands of cheese, noodles, chicken, and cream used.
Nut Information and Allergen Details
Does Chicken Alfredo Lasagna contain nuts?
The standard recipe does not contain peanuts or tree nuts.
– Almonds: Not included.
– Walnuts: Not included.
– Pecans: Not included.
– Cashews: Not included.
– Pistachios: Not included.
– Hazelnuts: Not included.
– Peanuts: Not included.
– Pine nuts: Not included.
Other Allergen Information:
– Dairy: Contains butter, milk, heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
– Gluten: Contains wheat in traditional lasagna noodles and all-purpose flour.
– Eggs: Contains egg in the ricotta filling. Some lasagna noodles may also contain eggs.
– Soy: Not included in the standard ingredients, but check packaged products.
– Garlic: Contains fresh garlic.
Nut-Free Note: This recipe is naturally free from peanuts and tree nuts as written. Always check packaged ingredients for allergy warnings and possible cross-contact.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter, milk, cream, and cheese alternatives. The flavor and texture will differ from the original recipe.
Anyone with a serious food allergy should verify all ingredient labels and avoid products with possible cross-contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Remove the skin and bones, shred the meat, and season it with garlic and Italian herbs.
2. Can I make Chicken Alfredo Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Yes. Follow the package instructions. Make sure the noodles are completely covered with Alfredo sauce so they soften properly.
4. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes. Blend cottage cheese until smooth for a texture closer to ricotta.
5. Why is my Alfredo sauce too thick?
It may have cooked too long or reduced too much. Whisk in a little warm milk until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
6. How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Drain excess moisture from cooked vegetables, avoid adding too much sauce, and allow the lasagna to rest before slicing.
7. Can I add spinach?
Absolutely. Add fresh or thawed frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess moisture before adding it.
8. Can I add mushrooms?
Yes. Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic before mixing them into the chicken filling.
9. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Cooked, shredded boneless chicken thighs work very well and provide a slightly richer flavor.
10. What cheese melts best for this lasagna?
Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully. Parmesan adds a salty, savory flavor, while ricotta creates creamy layers.
11. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes. Replace the heavy cream with additional whole milk, although the sauce will be less rich.
12. Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a certified gluten-free flour blend.
13. Is Chicken Alfredo Lasagna suitable for meal prep?
Yes. Bake it, cool it, and divide it into individual portions for convenient lunches and dinners.
14. Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Lasagna?
Yes. Freeze it in airtight, freezer-safe containers. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
15. How long should lasagna rest before cutting?
Allow it to rest for 15–20 minutes. This helps the layers settle and prevents the filling from spreading.
16. Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce to the chicken filling.
17. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a good alternative, although it has a stronger and saltier flavor.
18. How do I know when the lasagna is fully heated?
The center should be hot and reach 165°F (74°C), especially when reheating previously cooked or refrigerated lasagna.
19. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes. Omit the egg from the ricotta mixture. The filling may be slightly softer, but the lasagna will still taste delicious.
20. What is the best side dish for Chicken Alfredo Lasagna?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, or fresh green beans are excellent choices.
21. Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Yes. Homemade Alfredo sauce is recommended because it gives the lasagna a fresh, rich garlic and Parmesan flavor.
22. Why did my cheese topping become too brown?
The oven may be too hot or the lasagna may have baked uncovered for too long. Cover with foil during the first part of baking and uncover near the end.
23. Can I add broccoli to the chicken filling?
Yes. Use cooked, chopped broccoli and remove excess water before layering.
24. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
Yes, although freshly shredded mozzarella often melts more smoothly because it contains less anti-caking coating.
25. Is Chicken Alfredo Lasagna a good family dinner?
Absolutely. It is creamy, cheesy, filling, and easy to portion, making it a wonderful comfort-food meal for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is the ultimate comfort-food dinner, combining tender chicken, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, rich ricotta filling, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Every slice is packed with delicious garlic and cheesy flavor.
Serve it with a fresh salad and warm garlic bread for a satisfying homemade meal your family will love.