If you love classic Italian-American comfort food but crave the ease of a one-pan weeknight dinner, the Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet is your dream come true! This skillet combines juicy chunks of chicken, ribbons of tender lasagna noodles, and layers of gooey cheese all wrapped in a rich marinara sauce, ready in just over half an hour. Every bite brings you the heartiness of lasagna with the irresistible flavors of chicken parm, all with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, this skillet will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love a recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into something extraordinary? Each ingredient in this Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet is handpicked to maximize comfort, color, and classic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need—and why every piece matters!
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star protein that soaks up all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural taste of the chicken.
- Garlic: Infuses your skillet with irresistible savory aroma—don’t skimp!
- Marinara sauce: The classic base, giving your lasagna skillet its hearty, tangy body.
- Water or chicken broth: Helps the pasta cook perfectly and adds depth if you choose broth.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces, they provide those signature lasagna layers without extra fuss.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that marries all the flavors together. Feel free to toss in a little extra if you love herbs!
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into pockets of ooey-gooey magic.
- Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty, nutty depth and that classic crispy top if you choose to broil.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy dollops make every bite feel extra indulgent.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a bright, herby finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add your bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, sprinkle them with salt and black pepper, and let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally—what you’re looking for is golden, lightly browned chicken that’s cooked through. For that extra inviting aroma, toss in the minced garlic in the last minute and let it sizzle; nothing says “comfort food” like the scent of garlic mingling with chicken!
Step 2: Simmer With Sauce and Noodles
Now, it’s time to build those iconic lasagna layers—right in your skillet! Pour in the marinara sauce, stir in the water or broth, then scatter in the broken lasagna noodles (they don’t have to be perfect, rustic shapes are part of the charm). Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, making sure to stir now and then until the noodles are tender and the sauce is bubbling with anticipation.
Step 3: Cheese Wonderland
Once the noodles are soft and the skillet is simmering away, reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan—the cheeses will melt right into the sauce, giving you that classic Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet creamy-textured bite. Dot generous spoonfuls of ricotta across the surface, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Pop the lid back on for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is irresistibly melty.
Step 4: The Finishing Touch
Just before serving, shower your skillet masterpiece with torn fresh basil or parsley. That final touch of green isn’t just for looks—the herbs add brightness and balance, making every forkful pop. Your Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet is bubbling, cheesy, and ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet
Garnishes
A scatter of fresh basil or parsley goes a long way—both for taste and visual appeal. If you want to elevate that gooey cheese layer even more, try a quick pass under the broiler for a golden, crispy finish, then add a final dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s even better when paired with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and oil. A loaf of garlic bread or warm focaccia on the side is practically mandatory for soaking up every last bit of the bubbly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve straight from the skillet for that family-style, cozy vibe—or portion it out into shallow bowls and top each with extra cheese and fresh herbs. For get-togethers, try spooning the Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet filling into individual ramekins, then finish with a sprinkle of cheese and a quick broil for adorable (and totally delicious) single servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just let everything cool to room temperature, then scoop into an airtight container. The flavors have a chance to mingle even more overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even better!
Freezing
If you want to save some for even longer, simply transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and be aware that while the noodles may soften slightly, the flavors will stay robust.
Reheating
To bring your Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet back to life, microwave individual portions until piping hot or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. If you crave that cheesy, golden top, don’t hesitate to pop it under the broiler for a minute or two before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just skip the chicken-cooking step and add the pre-cooked meat along with the sauce and noodles. It’s a great way to streamline your Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet for busy nights.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with a plant-based meat alternative or even extra chopped veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Just make sure to cook them until tender before moving on to the next step.
Can I use a different type Main Course
If you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand, don’t fret! You can break up other pasta shapes—try penne, rigatoni, or even wide egg noodles. The rustic, stovetop method of Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet is forgiving and flexible.
What can I do if my sauce got too thick?
No worries—just add a splash more water or chicken broth and stir gently until you reach your perfect saucy consistency. Pasta soaks up a lot of moisture as it cooks, but a little liquid will bring everything back together deliciously.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be stirred in during the simmering step for color and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces so they blend perfectly with the other elements of your Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort meal that’s loaded with flavor, easy to make, and sure to please a crowd, give Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet a try. It’s a go-to in my kitchen on hectic nights and has never let me down. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, too!
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Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet combines the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan with the comfort of lasagna in a quick and easy one-pan dish. Tender chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey cheeses are layered with broken lasagna noodles for a delightful meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups water or chicken broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add chicken, season, and cook until browned.
- Add garlic and sauce: Add garlic, then stir in marinara sauce, water, lasagna noodles, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer until noodles are tender.
- Add cheeses: Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan, dollop ricotta, sprinkle remaining cheeses, and melt.
- Garnish: Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- For crispy texture, broil the cheese topping for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
