If you’re craving a comforting Italian-American classic with a creamy twist, then this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe is your perfect go-to dish. Imagine tender layers of lasagna noodles piled high with juicy, cooked chicken, a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce that’s rich and garlicky, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella and parmesan cheeses all baked to bubbling, golden perfection. This recipe transforms traditional lasagna into a velvet-smooth feast that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that feels indulgent but is so simple to pull together, making it an irresistible family favorite any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe plays a vital role, combining simplicity with the richness needed to build those layers of creamy, cheesy goodness. From the bite of garlic to the silky smooth cream and perfectly cooked noodles, these ingredients come together to create a deliciously balanced dish.
- 12 lasagna noodles: Provides the sturdy, chewy layers that hold all the flavors together.
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: Adds protein and heartiness, making it a filling meal.
- 18 slices mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.
- 1 stick butter: Forms the flavorful base of the rich Alfredo sauce.
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream: Creates the silky, smooth sauce that defines this recipe.
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese: Adds that nutty, sharp bite that compliments the creaminess perfectly.
- 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese: Offers moisture and a mild tang while keeping the texture creamy.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the cheese mixture for smooth layering.
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley: Sprinkles fresh color and mild herbal notes throughout.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat
Before diving in, preheat your oven to 375ºF and get a 9×13-inch baking dish ready by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your lasagna will cook evenly and slide right out when it’s done.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente according to package instructions. Save about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s a handy secret ingredient to loosen the Alfredo sauce if it thickens too much later on.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
This is where the magic happens. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the crushed garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds to release that vibrant aroma. Whisk in the heavy whipping cream and gently cook, stirring often until the sauce thickens. Take the skillet off the heat, season with salt and pepper, then stir in the parmesan until fully melted and silky smooth. If you find your sauce a little too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Mix the Cottage Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with eggs and dried parsley, stirring until well blended. This mixture adds a creamy, tangy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich Alfredo sauce and gooey mozzarella.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Start by spreading half a cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish—this prevents sticking and adds flavor right to the base. Lay six cooked noodles on top in one layer, then spread half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Add half of your chopped chicken, then top with six slices of mozzarella. Spread half of the Alfredo sauce over this layer to keep things moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Repeat the Layers
Simply repeat the pasta, cottage cheese, chicken, mozzarella, and Alfredo sauce layers. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed so every slice is perfectly balanced. Finish with the remaining mozzarella on top for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly, melted, and just starting to turn golden brown around the edges—pure lasagna bliss.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Don’t rush this final step! Let your Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe cool for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the layers to set, which makes slicing easier and keeps your servings nice and tidy.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh, herbal notes that brighten the creamy richness of the dish perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, a light grating of extra parmesan right before serving adds a savory finish.
Side Dishes
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is quite rich, so pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides balances the meal. Think a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or even some garlic bread for those who want to indulge further and soak up every last drop of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins layered the same way, then broil just before serving for crisped edges. Alternatively, garnish with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of truffle oil to elevate this comforting classic into a gourmet showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better.
Freezing
This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350ºF until heated through and bubbly once again. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore that luscious Alfredo sauce texture if it thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, making your lasagna even easier to assemble without sacrificing taste.
Is it necessary to use cottage cheese in this recipe?
Cottage cheese adds creaminess and moisture that complement the Alfredo sauce nicely, but you could substitute ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones, and ensure your other ingredients, like cream and cheese, do not contain any hidden gluten.
Why do I need to reserve pasta water when making the Alfredo sauce?
Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps thin out and bind sauces nicely, making your Alfredo sauce silky and smooth without thinning the flavors.
What’s the best way to cut and serve this creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe?
Let the lasagna cool before cutting to prevent it from falling apart. Use a sharp knife and cut into squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm comfort of a dish that hugs you back, and this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe does exactly that. Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner or impressing friends, this creamy, cheesy masterpiece promises to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, gather around the kitchen, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal full of love and flavor!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna combines classic Italian flavors with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and layers of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 45 minutes, this hearty and comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Lasagna Base
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 18 slices mozzarella cheese
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 stick butter
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- at least 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Cottage Cheese Mixture
- 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve at least 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. Set the noodles aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 stick of butter. Add crushed garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds to release flavor. Whisk in the heavy cream and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Prepare Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and dried parsley. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients well. Set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna – First Layer: Spread half a cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay six lasagna noodles over the sauce, covering the bottom. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then scatter half of the cooked chopped chicken evenly. Top with 6 slices of mozzarella cheese. Finish this layer by spreading half of the Alfredo sauce over the cheese.
- Assemble the Lasagna – Second Layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, cottage cheese mixture, chicken, mozzarella slices, and Alfredo sauce. Finally, top the entire casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese slices.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to cut perfect slices for serving.
Notes
- Be sure to reserve pasta water when boiling noodles; it helps adjust the Alfredo sauce consistency.
- If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before cutting prevents it from falling apart.
- For a lower-fat version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and low-fat cottage cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
