The Creamiest Chicken Alfredo Lasagna You’ll Ever Make

Let me tell you about the day I discovered chicken alfredo lasagna. I was hosting a dinner party and wanted something that screamed comfort food but felt a bit fancy. Traditional red sauce lasagna felt too heavy, so I thought, why not combine two of my favorite things – creamy alfredo sauce and layers of cheesy lasagna? That night changed everything in my kitchen.

The first time I made this recipe, I was nervous. Would the sauce be too runny? Would the layers hold together? But when I pulled that golden, bubbly dish from the oven, I knew I had something special. My guests couldn’t stop asking for the recipe, and now I’m sharing it with you.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

I’ve tried many pasta recipes over the years, but this one has become my go-to for special occasions. The creamy alfredo sauce wraps around tender chicken pieces, and the mozzarella cheese creates those perfect stretchy pulls when you serve it. Unlike traditional lasagna that can feel heavy, this version feels lighter yet still incredibly satisfying.

What I love most is how the spinach adds a pop of color and sneaks in some vegetables without anyone complaining. My kids don’t even notice it’s there because the cheese and creamy sauce are so good.


Gathering Your Ingredients

Before I start cooking, I always lay out everything on my counter. This makes the whole process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound chicken breast or tenders
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

For Assembly:

  • 12-15 lasagna sheets
  • 3-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
Fresh ingredients for chicken alfredo lasagna recipe including pasta, chicken, and cheese

My Step-by-Step Process

Preparing the Chicken

I start by seasoning my chicken. I mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, then rub it all over the chicken with the olive oil. I let it sit for a few minutes while I heat up my cast iron skillet.

Once the pan is hot, I add the chicken and cook it for about 5-6 minutes on each side. The key here is not to overcook it – I learned this the hard way when I made dry chicken once. Now I always check by cutting into the thickest part. If there’s no pink, it’s done.

After cooking, I let the chicken rest on my cutting board for about 5 minutes. This keeps all those juices inside. Then I chop it into small chunks. I always toss the pieces around in the juices left on the board because that adds so much flavor back.

Making the Alfredo Sauce

This is where the magic happens. I melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. When it’s bubbling, I add the chopped onion and let it cook until it turns soft and see-through. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes, and I stir it occasionally.

Next, I toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute until my whole kitchen smells amazing. Then I add all my seasonings – salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. I stir this for another minute.

Here’s a tip I learned from making this chicken lasagna alfredo recipe multiple times: add the flour and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This removes that raw flour taste and helps thicken your sauce perfectly.

Now I pour in the milk and cream slowly while stirring constantly. I turn the heat down to medium-low and keep stirring. The sauce will start to thicken after a few minutes. When it coats the back of my spoon nicely, I know it’s ready.

I turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, ricotta, and chopped spinach. The spinach wilts almost immediately from the heat of the sauce. I taste it at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Creamy alfredo lasagna sauce being prepared in pan with fresh ingredients

Cooking the Lasagna Sheets

While my sauce is simmering, I boil a big pot of salted water. I add plenty of salt – the water should taste like the sea. I cook the lasagna sheets according to the package directions but stop when they’re al dente. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so I don’t want them too soft now.

After draining, I drizzle a little olive oil over them and toss gently. This stops them from sticking together, which is super important for these lasagna rolls layers.

Putting It All Together

I preheat my oven to 375°F. I grab my 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of alfredo sauce on the bottom. This prevents the pasta from sticking.

For the first layer, I lay down 3-4 lasagna sheets, depending on how they fit. Then I spread about a third of my chicken pieces over the pasta. I pour a generous amount of sauce over the chicken, making sure everything is covered. Finally, I sprinkle about ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

I repeat this process two more times. By the third layer, I’m usually running low on chicken, and that’s perfect. For the final top layer, I add the last lasagna sheets, pour the remaining sauce over everything, and go heavy with the mozzarella – usually about 1-1½ cups. I want that golden, bubbly cheese top.

Baking to Perfection

Here’s a trick I picked up: I stick 6-8 toothpicks into the lasagna at different spots, then cover the dish tightly with foil. The toothpicks keep the foil from touching the cheese and making a mess.

I bake it covered for 35-40 minutes. Then I remove the foil and turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes. I watch it carefully during this part because the cheese can go from perfectly golden to burned really fast.

When it comes out, I let it rest for about 15 minutes. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but this resting time lets the layers set up so your slices hold together beautifully.


⏱️ RECIPE CARD

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe

Recipe by Chef AminaCourse: Main Dish, DinnerCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

12-14

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

420

kcal

This creamy and cheesy chicken alfredo lasagna combines tender chicken pieces with rich alfredo sauce, layers of pasta, and melted mozzarella. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken:
  • 1 pound chicken breast or tenders

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)

  • For Assembly:
  • 12-15 lasagna sheets

  • 3-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It (Step by Step):

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
    Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub the chicken with olive oil and seasonings. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then chop into small chunks.
  • Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
    Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft (4-5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in all seasonings and cook for another minute. Add flour and toast for 1-2 minutes.
  • Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
    Pour in milk and cream slowly while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir until sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Turn off heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, ricotta, and spinach. Mix until spinach wilts.
  • Step 4: Cook the Pasta
    Boil lasagna sheets in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
    Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer: 3-4 lasagna sheets, one-third of chicken, generous sauce, and ¾ cup mozzarella. Repeat two more times. For the final layer, add remaining sheets, sauce, and 1-1½ cups mozzarella on top.
  • Step 6: Bake
    Stick 6-8 toothpicks into lasagna and cover tightly with foil (toothpicks prevent foil from sticking). Bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is golden. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
  • Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
    Garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Notes

  • Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.
  • Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Pro Tip:

Make this ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking for an even easier dinner prep!


Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way

After making this alfredo lasagna many times, I’ve picked up some helpful tricks:

Don’t Skip the Resting Time: I used to rush and cut into the lasagna right away. The sauce would run everywhere. Now I always wait 15 minutes, and my slices look perfect.

Season at Every Step: I season the chicken, season the sauce, and taste before assembling. This builds layers of flavor that make the dish incredible.

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. I grate my own Parmesan and mozzarella now, and the difference is huge.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta will finish cooking in the oven. If you boil it too long, it gets mushy in the final dish.

Make Extra Sauce: I sometimes make a bit more sauce than needed and keep it on the side. If my lasagna looks dry while assembling, I add more.


What to Serve Alongside

When I serve this chicken alfredo lasagna recipe, I like to keep sides simple since the main dish is so rich. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly. Sometimes I make garlic bread for people who want to soak up every bit of sauce.

A simple Caesar salad works great too. The tangy dressing and crunchy romaine balance the creamy pasta nicely.

Plated serving of chicken alfredo lasagna recipe showing creamy cheese layers

Storing and Reheating

This chicken lasagna recipe makes great leftovers. I store it covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop individual slices in the microwave for about 2 minutes, or I reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

You can also freeze this before or after baking. I wrap it really well in plastic wrap and then foil. It keeps in the freezer for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to bake a frozen unbaked lasagna, I let it thaw in the fridge overnight and add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Meal prep containers with chicken alfredo lasagna for easy weeknight dinners

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes with this recipe, so let me save you some trouble:

Watery Sauce: If your sauce seems thin, cook it a bit longer before assembling. It should coat a spoon nicely. Remember, some liquid will come from the spinach and chicken too.

Dry Lasagna: This happens when there’s not enough sauce between layers. I’m generous with my sauce, especially on the edges where pasta dries out faster.

Burnt Top: This happened to me once when I wasn’t watching during broiling. Now I set a timer and check every minute.

Mushy Pasta: Don’t boil your pasta sheets too long. They continue cooking in the oven, so starting with al dente is perfect.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This has become my favorite way to make lasagna. The creamy alfredo sauce feels special, and the combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and pasta hits all the right comfort food notes. It’s also surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.

I make this for birthdays, holidays, and whenever I want to feel like a kitchen superstar. Every single time, people ask for seconds and want to know how I made it.

The best part? You can make it ahead and bake it when you’re ready. I’ve assembled this in the morning and baked it for dinner many times. It makes entertaining so much easier.


Final Thoughts

Making chicken alfredo lasagna has become one of my favorite kitchen activities. There’s something satisfying about layering everything together and watching it transform in the oven. The first time you pull this golden, bubbly masterpiece from your oven, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

Don’t be intimidated by the steps. Take it one layer at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table. I promise this chicken alfredo lasagna will become a regular in your dinner rotation, just like it has in mine.

Now get in that kitchen and make some magic happen. Your family is going to love you for this one!


❓ Your Quick Questions Answered

How to make chicken alfredo lasagna?

Start by cooking seasoned chicken until golden and chopping it into chunks. Make a creamy alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, onion, flour, milk, cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Boil lasagna sheets until al dente.

Layer sauce, pasta, chicken, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish, repeating three times. Top with extra cheese and bake covered at 375°F for 40 minutes, then broil uncovered for 2-3 minutes until golden. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Can I make chicken alfredo lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! I make this ahead all the time. You can assemble the entire lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. You can also freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! I often use rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred about 3 cups of cooked chicken and skip the cooking step.

This makes the recipe even easier and faster. The chicken is already seasoned and moist, so it works perfectly in the lasagna.

Why is my lasagna watery?

Watery lasagna usually happens when the sauce is too thin or the spinach releases too much water. Make sure to cook your sauce until it’s thick enough to coat a spoon.

If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all the excess water before adding it. Also, letting the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking helps it set up properly.

Can I freeze chicken alfredo lasagna?

Yes! This freezes beautifully. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It keeps for 3 months in the freezer. You can freeze it baked or unbaked.

For unbaked, thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes. For baked, thaw and reheat covered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and a bit more butter for a lighter version. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it still tastes great.

I’ve also used evaporated milk in a pinch, and it worked well. Just avoid using low-fat milk as the sauce needs some fat to stay creamy.

How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna is done when the edges are bubbling, the cheese on top is melted and golden, and you can see the sauce bubbling around the edges.

If you insert a knife in the center and leave it for 5 seconds, it should come out hot. I also check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F if I’m unsure.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, but you’ll need to add more liquid to your sauce since these noodles absorb moisture as they bake. I add an extra ½ cup of milk or cream to the sauce and make sure every noodle is completely covered with sauce. The baking time stays the same.

How many servings does this make?

This recipe makes about 12-14 servings, depending on how you cut it. I usually cut it into 12 squares for a main course serving. If you’re serving it as part of a bigger meal with lots of sides, you can stretch it to 14 servings.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! I’ve added mushrooms, zucchini, and broccoli before. Just sauté them until tender and add them to the layers along with the chicken. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from watery vegetables like zucchini so your lasagna doesn’t get soggy.

Liked the article? Share your friends!