If you’re craving the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna but want a quick and fuss-free meal, this Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine all those layers of tender noodles, rich marinara, succulent chicken, and melty cheeses coming together in one skillet—no oven-fiddling or multiple pans needed. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion, with hearty warmth and vibrant Italian flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe lies in its simple, essential ingredients that each add their own magic to the dish. From the tender chicken to the creamy ricotta and sharp Parmesan, every component plays a crucial role in bringing balance and richness to this skillet meal.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: Delivers meaty protein and heartiness, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Provides the comforting pasta base that mimics traditional lasagna layers but cooks quickly.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Brings robust tomato flavor and acidity, the soul of any Chicken Parmesan dish.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps to soften the noodles as they simmer, ensuring they cook evenly without drying out.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, mild richness that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey, melty texture that pulls apart in irresistibly cheesy strands.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a salty, nutty depth that finishes each bite perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Pour in aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor right at the start.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the Italian elements together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing garlic and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors naturally.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Gives a fresh, herbal pop of color and brightness just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Prepare the Sauce
Begin by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about one minute—this will release those delightful aromatic notes that form the foundation of your sauce.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Next, stir in the marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This combination creates a velvety tomato base that will gently cook your noodles. The water ensures the broken lasagna noodles soften perfectly without sticking.
Step 3: Simmer Noodles in the Sauce
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, pressing them down into the sauce to make sure they’re mostly submerged. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and to encourage even cooking. You’ll know the noodles are ready when they become tender yet still hold their shape.
Step 4: Stir in Chicken and Ricotta
Once the noodles have softened, fold in your shredded cooked chicken and generous dollops of ricotta cheese. This step adds luscious creaminess and protein, distributing comforting pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the skillet.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. For an extra special touch, pop the skillet under a broiler for 2 minutes to develop a bubbly, golden crust reminiscent of classic baked lasagna.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil leaves adds a beautiful splash of green and a fresh, herbal aroma that brightens everything. Feel free to add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette on the side also complements the rich, cheesy flavors perfectly and helps scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe right from the pan family-style for a cozy, casual feel. Alternatively, plate individual portions sprinkled with extra Parmesan and a fresh basil sprig to impress guests or make weeknight dinners feel just a bit more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because the noodles soak up the sauce, the flavors will deepen, making your leftovers just as delicious—if not more so—than the original meal.
Freezing
This skillet recipe also freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep all the flavors fresh and textures intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through. To revive that lovely cheesy top, finish with a quick broil if your cookware allows. Adding a splash of water or marinara sauce before reheating can help prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried for the Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe?
Yes, fresh lasagna noodles can work well and will cook faster, so reduce the simmering time and keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty, meatless version that still delivers comfort and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, melt the cheese on the stovetop with the lid on or transfer the dish to a baking dish for the broiling step, watching carefully to avoid burning.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor, but cooked and shredded chicken breast works just as well. Using pre-cooked chicken keeps prep time to a minimum.
How spicy is the Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe?
The recipe itself is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the ease and comfort of this Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe to brighten up your dinner table. It wraps up the flavors of classic Italian-American cooking in a quick, one-pan wonder that’s both satisfying and heartwarming. Give it a try tonight—you’ll soon see why it’s such a treasured recipe in kitchens everywhere!
