Ingredients:
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Evenly distribute half of the shredded chicken over the ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- If using spinach, layer 1 cup of spinach over the cheese.
- Pour about 1/3 of the remaining Alfredo sauce over the layers.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, mozzarella, spinach (if using), and Alfredo sauce.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining Alfredo sauce, and the last cup of mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add cooked mushrooms or sautéed onions to the layers.
- Make this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if starting from cold.
- To freeze, assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 30-40 minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your Chicken Alfredo Lasagna!