why make this recipe
Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna is a wonderful dish that combines rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. This recipe stands out because it offers a great way to enjoy classic lasagna while including healthier elements like broccoli. It’s an ideal meal for families, as it’s filling, easy to prepare, and allows you to sneak in some veggies without the kids even noticing.
how to make Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Broccoli florets
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Marinara sauce
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add broccoli and cook until tender.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper together until smooth.
- In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer with lasagna noodles, shredded chicken, sautéed broccoli, the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with marinara sauce on top. Finish by adding mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
Serve Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna hot from the oven. You can slice it into squares and place them on plates. It pairs nicely with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
- Use fresh broccoli for better flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Make sure your lasagna noodles are fully cooked so they soften nicely in the baking process.
variation
You can modify this recipe by substituting the chicken with ground turkey or even a meat-free alternative to suit dietary preferences. Additionally, try using different types of cheese, such as provolone or goat cheese, for a unique taste.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat lasagna noodles?
Yes! Whole wheat noodles are a great alternative and add more fiber to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in advance and store it, covered in the fridge, before baking it. Just remember to increase the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What can I serve with Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread works wonderfully as side dishes to complement the hearty lasagna.
Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 pieces Lasagna noodles Use fresh or store-bought
- 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded Store-bought rotisserie chicken can save time
- 2 cups Broccoli florets Use fresh for better flavor
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded Reserved for topping
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Reserved for topping
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 cups Marinara sauce For layering
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add broccoli and cook until tender.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper together until smooth.
Assembly
- In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer with lasagna noodles, shredded chicken, sautéed broccoli, the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with marinara sauce on top.
- Finish by adding mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.