Description
Chicken Lasagna with Rich Ragu is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken in a luscious tomato-based ragu, layered with creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. This recipe offers a speedy, hearty meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions, combining ease of preparation with rich, satisfying flavors that reheat well for leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Ragu Sauce
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), ground or shredded
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Lasagna and Cheese Layers
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or gluten-free), boiled until al dente
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rich Ragu: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ground or shredded chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Pour in crushed tomatoes, then add Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to develop deep flavor and thicken the sauce.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the ragu simmers, boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of the rich ragu on the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, a generous spoonful of ragu, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh basil or oregano for brighter, more aromatic flavor in the ragu.
- Boil noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven and absorb moisture from the sauce.
- Spread sauce evenly on each noodle layer for consistent moisture and taste.
- Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.
- Prepare and assemble in advance, then refrigerate to bake later for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Chicken lasagna, rich ragu, Italian chicken recipe, cheesy lasagna, comforting dinner, quick lasagna, family meal