If you’re craving something indulgently creamy yet packed with comforting flavors, you’re going to adore this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off on a weeknight or for a special family dinner. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll understand why my family keeps asking for seconds — it’s that good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The homemade spinach Alfredo sauce is velvety and flavorful, making every bite heavenly.
- Succulent Chicken: Seasoned chicken tenders sear up juicy and tender, adding a perfect protein punch without fuss.
- Family Favorite: This lasagna has become a go-to for gatherings because it’s always met with rave reviews and happy plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe works beautifully together to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture—I love how the spinach adds a fresh touch without overpowering the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Here are my favorite picks and tips to make sure you get the best results:
- Chicken tenders: I prefer tenders because they cook quickly and stay moist, but chicken breasts work just as well if sliced thinly.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for cooking your chicken for a nice depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning: This boosts the overall taste: a blend of oregano, basil, and parsley is perfect here.
- Butter: Unsalted is best so you control the salt level precisely.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics make the sauce incredibly fragrant and savory.
- Flour: This thickens the sauce just right—no lumps if you cook it gently!
- Whole milk and heavy cream: The combo gives your Alfredo that luscious creaminess without being too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated will melt beautifully and bring the authentic tang you want.
- Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness—you can use fresh or frozen (just squeeze out excess moisture).
- Lasagna sheets: Boil to al dente to avoid mushy noodles in the final dish—always toss them with a bit of oil to stop sticking.
- Mozzarella cheese: Go for shredded for easy layering and that ooey-gooey melt.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds a pop of freshness and color.
Variations
I love making this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe my own by tweaking the ingredients and layers depending on what’s in season or what my family’s craving. Feel free to get creative—it’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes personalization.
- Vegetable boost: I sometimes swap out the spinach for kale or add mushrooms sautéed until golden for extra earthiness.
- Spicy kick: Adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the Alfredo sauce amps up the heat just enough for a grown-up twist.
- Cheese swaps: Mixing mozzarella with fontina or provolone gives the topping a more complex melt and flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Sheets to Perfect Al Dente
This is a crucial step that I’ve learned can make or break the lasagna’s texture. Boil your lasagna sheets according to package instructions until they’re just al dente — meaning they still have a tiny bit of bite. Overcooked noodles will get soggy once baked. I always toss mine with a splash of olive oil right after draining to keep them from sticking together.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken Tenders
Coat your chicken tenders with salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then drizzle with olive oil to help the spices cling. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook the tenders for about 5 minutes per side until they’re cooked through and lightly seared. Pro tip: don’t rush this — letting them get a nice golden crust adds so much flavor. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before chopping so the juices stay locked in.
Step 3: Whip Up the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
This sauce is the heart of the creamy magic. Melt butter in a non-stick pan, then soften your onion for about 3-5 minutes before stirring in garlic until fragrant. Add your Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and toss in the flour to form a roux—toast it for a minute to lose that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, lowering the heat to avoid lumps, and let the sauce thicken gently for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and fold in your fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Taste and tweak seasoning — I sometimes add a pinch more salt or a grind of black pepper here.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a few tablespoons of sauce on the bottom of your 9×13 inch dish to prevent sticking. Lay down 3 lasagna sheets side by side — I like this method better than stacking sheets on top of each other to keep the layers even. Spoon a generous layer of sauce, a third of your chopped chicken, then sprinkle about ¾ cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering two more times. For your final layer, cover with lasagna sheets, spread the remaining sauce on top and finish with a big handful of mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake and Broil to Golden Perfection
Here’s a trick I picked up: stick 6-8 toothpicks into your assembled lasagna before covering it with foil. This keeps the foil “tented” above the cheese so it won’t stick. Bake covered for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes to get that irresistible golden, bubbly top. Let the lasagna rest 15 minutes before serving—that’s the secret to neat slices and letting all the flavors meld.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
- Perfect Noodle Texture: I always cook lasagna sheets to al dente and toss with oil—that stops mushy lasagna and layering headaches.
- Chicken Resting Time: Resting the chicken before chopping keeps it juicy and prevents drying out in the oven.
- Sauce Thickness Balance: Keep the Alfredo sauce thick but pourable; too thick and it turns gluey when baked.
- Foil Tent Trick: Toothpicks stop the foil from sticking to the cheese, preserving those golden, bubbly layers.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving—it adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness and looks lovely. Sometimes I’ll shave a little extra Parmesan for that salty zing.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complements this creamy, cheesy lasagna perfectly. Breadsticks or garlic knots make it feel like a real celebration at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I sometimes bake this lasagna in individual ramekins instead of a big pan. It looks so elegant and gives everyone their own portion. You can also sprinkle a mix of herbs on top and present it with a rustic loaf of bread and a wine pairing for a cozy vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge, and it holds up beautifully for about 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better in my opinion.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna freezes incredibly well. I assemble it, but before baking, I wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze. When you want to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual with an extra 10-15 minutes added to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I cover them loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the lasagna creamy and prevents drying out like a microwave can sometimes do.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this lasagna?
Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, just chop it up and fold it into the Alfredo sauce layers. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned to keep the flavor consistent with the creamy sauce.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it according to instructions, adding a bit more bake time if it’s chilled. This makes it super convenient for dinner parties or busy nights.
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Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The creamy, cheesy layers make it a hit with kids. You can reduce or omit chili flakes for a milder version, and sneak in spinach for extra nutrition without fuss.
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Can I substitute the spinach with other greens?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard works well, just be sure to cook them down first to remove excess moisture. This helps keep the sauce from getting watery.
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What type of cheese is best for melting in this lasagna?
Mozzarella is my go-to for its meltability and mild flavor. If you want a more complex flavor, mixing in provolone or fontina can be delicious too.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe has truly won a place in my regular cooking rotation because it’s decadent enough for company but simple enough for a casual family dinner. I love how the rich sauce melds with tender chicken and al dente pasta for a dish that brings everyone to the table smiling. If you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor — grab these ingredients, make this recipe, and enjoy the cozy, cheesy comfort that only a homemade lasagna can deliver.
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna combines tender, seasoned chicken tenders with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce layered between perfectly cooked lasagna sheets and melty mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting Italian-American casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 6 chicken tenders (or chicken breast)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, parsley, basil)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 5 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (any kind of plain cream)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped spinach
Assembly:
- 14-15 lasagna sheets (almost 1 pack)
- 3-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Prepare Lasagna Sheets: Boil the lasagna sheets according to package instructions until al dente. Toss them in a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken Tenders: Coat the chicken tenders evenly with salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and olive oil. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken tenders about 5 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly seared. Avoid overcooking. Let rest on a chopping board for 5 minutes, then chop into small chunks, tossing to collect the juices. Set aside.
- Make Spinach Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute. Add flour and toast for one minute, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in milk and cream; reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in chopped spinach and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (conventional). Spread 2-3 tablespoons of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13″ lasagna dish. Arrange about 3 lasagna sheets in a single layer (no overlapping). Spread a generous layer of sauce, then one-third of the chopped chicken, followed by roughly ¾ cup shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering two more times, using up the chicken, sauce (reserve some), and 3-4 lasagna sheets. For the final layer, cover with lasagna sheets, spread remaining sauce, and sprinkle about 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Lasagna: Insert 6-8 toothpicks spaced around the lasagna to act as tent poles to prevent foil from sticking to cheese. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for approximately 40 minutes. Remove foil and broil under top oven burner or highest setting for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove lasagna from oven and rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Remove toothpicks, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Keep an eye on the sauce thickness; it should be slightly thin as it will thicken more during baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- To prevent lasagna sheets from sticking after boiling, toss them with a bit of olive oil while hot.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Adjust cayenne and chili flakes to control spice level according to preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of lasagna)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
