Chicken Vegetable Lasagna with Homemade Cheese Sauce
This delicious chicken vegetable lasagna with homemade cheese sauce recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner meal plan! It is simple to make and acts as a healthier alternative to regular lasagna.
This creamy chicken and vegetable lasagna with homemade cheese sauce is easy to make if you just follow these steps! If you don’t have time to make the cheese sauce and assemble the lasagna, you can just substitute it with Alfredo sauce instead.
Ingredients for Lasagna
- 2 cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts (or use rotisserie chicken!)
- 1 box oven-ready lasagna noodles (or you can order regular noodles, but those tend to make our lasagna a little mushy)
- 2 bags frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots (or whatever vegetables your family likes)
- 24 oz cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- grated cheese
Ingredience for Cheese Sauce
- grated cheese (around 8 oz, but this is flexible)
Directions for Chicken Vegetable Lasagna
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the lasagna noodle box.
Prepare the Chicken: Shred or chop the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the meat from the bones and shred it.
Cook the Vegetables: Cook the frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots according to the package instructions. If using fresh vegetables, lightly steam or sauté until tender.
Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with 3 large eggs.
Make the Cheese Sauce: After you gather the ingredients that you need for the lasagna, make the cheese sauce (I would double this recipe, depending on how much lasagna and how much melted cheese sauce you like to add).
- Begin by melting butter over medium heat on the stove. Mix in the flour until a thick paste forms, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Gradually add milk while stirring constantly. It’s crucial not to step away, as this can lead to burning at the bottom of the pot, especially when using a large pot. Keep the heat steady and maintain a watchful eye.
- As the chicken sauce thickens, introduce the whole chicken bouillon to the mixture. Keep stirring diligently to ensure a lump-free white sauce.
- Continue the stirring process until all lumps are smoothed out, and the sauce reaches a gentle boil. Be cautious of splashes during this step.
- Once boiling, sustain the constant stirring for at least 1–2 minutes to let the white sauce fully develop. This ensures a creamy and well-blended consistency.
- Add grated or shredded cheese and stir until melted.
If you’d rather not make a cheese sauce, then try out this Alfredo Sauce with Milk.
Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×11″ casserole dish or baking dish, take lasagna sheets and spread cheese sauce on the bottom. Then place a layer of lasagna noodles. Spread on cottage cheese, then add vegetables and chicken. Top with cheese sauce and shredded cheese. Add another layer of noodles and repeat twice. At the top, finish with another layer of noodles and cheese sauce.
Top with Grated Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the top layer of noodles.
Bake in the Oven: Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake according to the instructions on the lasagna noodle box, typically until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve: Once done, let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your delicious chicken and vegetable lasagna!
Note: If you choose not to make the cheese sauce, you can easily substitute it with Alfredo sauce when layering the lasagna. Just spread a layer of Alfredo sauce in place of the cheese sauce in each layer.
Freezer option
This creamy lasagna is one of our favorite make-ahead freezer meals! Save yourself time and effort by prepping the creamy chicken and lasagna noodles as described earlier, then simply stow them away in the freezer for a future dinner delight! Just prepare the lasagna noodles for it as described above, but then pop it in the freezer instead of the oven! When you’re ready to have it for dinner, defrost it and then cook it according to the directions for the creamy chicken, lasagna, and lasagna noodles below.
Pro tip: use these tin foil casserole dishes for easy freezer meals! Cover with tin or foil and bake them, and use a Sharpie to write the cooking directions on the top so you don’t forget what they are after you’ve thrown the box away. Plus, these disposable dishes are a practical choice when sharing a meal with a new mom or someone under the weather. And, of course, they keep your nice casserole dishes free for other culinary adventures, preventing them from being stuck in the freezer shuffle. So, embrace the ease of freezer meals and enjoy the convenience without compromising on flavor!
Chicken Vegetable Lasagna
This delicious chicken vegetable lasagna with homemade cheese sauce recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner meal plan! It is simple to make and acts as a healthier alternative to regular lasagna.
Ingredients
- 2 cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts (or use rotisserie chicken!)
- 1 box oven-ready lasagna noodles (or you can order regular noodles, but those tend to make our lasagna a little mushy)
- 2 bags frozen vegetables
- 24 oz cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- grated cheese
- 8 tbsp (1/2 cup) butter
- 8 tbsp flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon or flavor base
- grated cheese (around 8 oz, but this is flexible)
Notes
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the lasagna noodle box.
- Shred or chop the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the meat from the bones and shred it.
- Cook the frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots according to the package instructions. If using fresh vegetables, lightly steam or sauté until tender.
- In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with eggs.
- Make cheese sauce by melting butter over medium heat on stove. Mix in flour until thick paste forms, then gradually adding milk while stirring constantly. Add boullion, then stir until boiling. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and add cheese.
- In a 9×11″ casserole dish or baking dish, take lasagna sheets and spread cheese sauce on the bottom. Then place a layer of lasagna noodles. Spread on cottage cheese, then add vegetables and chicken. Top with cheese sauce and shredded cheese. Add another layer of noodles and repeat twice. At the top, finish with another layer of noodles and cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the top layer of noodles.
- Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake according to the instructions on the lasagna noodle box, typically until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Once done, let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your delicious chicken and vegetable lasagna!
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Here are easy and tasty side dishes that go perfectly with your lasagna!
These delicious options perfectly complement the creamy chicken and chicken lasagna recipes below. Adding these sides is like inviting good friends to the dinner table – it just makes everything better. They bring a mix of flavors and textures that turn your lasagna into a well-rounded, satisfying meal. From cool salads to savory delights, these simple sides add a little extra joy to your dining experience.
Classic Caesar Salad:
Enjoy our Classic Caesar Salad! It’s a crisp blend of romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and homemade croutons, all tossed in our refreshing Caesar dressing. Perfect for adding a tasty touch to any meal!
Caprese Salad:
Juicy tomatoes, creamy, shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil come together, topped with a light balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks:
Try the classic goodness of Garlic Bread or Breadsticks! The comforting warmth of garlic olive oil-infused bread perfectly complements the heartiness of a delicious lasagna below.
Roasted Vegetables:
Colorful medleys of roasted vegetables like Roasted Parmesan Green Beans bring a rich, savory kick, bell peppers add a touch of salt and pepper full of sweetness with medium heat, and cherry tomatoes burst with juicy goodness. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a tasty journey that adds a healthy and vibrant vibe to your meal, making every bite a delight.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip:
This creamy blend of olive oil melt butter, baby spinach sliced mushrooms, minced garlic,, and artichokes creates a creamy filling luxurious dip. Its velvety goodness is the ideal companion to the hearty richness of lasagna, making a recipe for it a must-have addition to your culinary lineup. Whether you’re dipping, stirring frequently scooping, or spreading, this appetizer complements the bold flavors of lasagna.
Italian Chopped Salad:
Adding a delightful blend of flavors in our Italian Chopped Salad are savory salami, cheese, and crisp veggies, all coming together in a zesty vinaigrette.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts:
Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, with a drizzle of olive oil and sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. The contrast of sweet and tangy makes each bite a delightful experience, turning a great recipe for these Brussels sprouts into a must-have on your dining table.
Mushroom Risotto:
Simple Mushroom Risotto goodness with mushrooms, fresh spinach,, garlic, and perfectly cooked rice, perfectly matching the savory layers of this delicious lasagna. With each spoonful of delicious lasagna, enjoy the flavors that make your meal extra special.
Pasta Salad with Pesto:
This cold pasta salad features the flavors of pesto-dried basil, the burst of sweetness from cherry tomatoes, and garlic, and the briny notes of olives. Enjoy the simplicity and freshness that this pasta salad brings to your chicken lasagna!
Antipasto Platter:
This is a good selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables, creating a Mediterranean-inspired feast. This Mediterranean-inspired feast of an Antipasto Platter gives every bite a savory, rich flavor.
These sides aren’t just tasty add-ons; they’re the perfect companions to your Chicken Lasagna, making every meal a memorable experience. Share the goodness with loved ones, and let the warmth of a well-paired meal fill your home with happiness.
Healthy Twists To Your Lasagna
Creating a healthier version of chicken lasagna is not only easy but also adds a nutritious spin to this classic dish. Here are some tips for incorporating healthy twists into your chicken lasagna recipe:
- Whole-Grain Noodles: Opt for whole-grain or whole-wheat lasagna noodles instead of traditional ones. These provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals, enhancing the nutritional content of your dish.
- Leaner Protein Choices: Choose leaner cuts of chicken or turkey for your lasagna. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or lean ground turkey are excellent options that reduce saturated fat while maintaining the protein content.
- Vegetable-Rich Layers: Introduce an abundance of vegetables into your lasagna layers. Spinach, kale, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms are fantastic choices. These veggies not only add color and flavor but also boost the fiber and nutrient content of your dish.
- Low-Fat Dairy Options: Opt for low-fat or part-skim dairy products, such as mozzarella or ricotta cheese. This reduces the overall fat content while still providing the creamy texture and cheesy goodness that makes chicken lasagna so indulgent.
- Tomato-Based Sauce: Choose a tomato-based sauce made with fresh tomatoes or low-sodium canned tomatoes. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, adding a healthful element to your lasagna.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor of your lasagna with an array of herbs and spices instead of relying heavily on salt. Basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic can elevate the taste without excess sodium.
- Cottage Cheese Swap: Consider using cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier alternative without compromising on the creamy texture.
- Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes. By moderating your serving, you can enjoy the flavors of chicken lasagna without consuming excess calories.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the lasagna instead of frying or deep-frying. This method retains the dish’s heartiness while minimizing added fats.
- Experiment with Alternative Ingredients: Explore alternative ingredients like gluten-free noodles, plant-based cheeses, or dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
By incorporating these healthy twists, you can enjoy a lighter and more nutritionally balanced version of chicken lasagna without sacrificing the deliciousness that makes it a favorite.
Leftover Tips
We can’t always help it, but there’s often some chicken lasagna left over, and that’s when the fun begins!
Leftover chicken lasagna can be transformed into delightful new dishes with a bit of creativity. Here are some tips for repurposing or reheating them:
- Classic Reheat: For a quick and easy solution, simply reheat portions of chicken lasagna in the microwave or oven. This method maintains the original flavors, ensuring a tasty and convenient leftover meal.
- Individual Servings: Cut the leftover lasagna into individual portions before reheating. This not only speeds up the reheating process but also allows for convenient, grab-and-go servings.
- Lasagna Roll-Ups: Slice the leftover lasagna into strips and roll them up individually. Bake these roll-ups for a shorter time to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining the succulent interior.
- Lasagna Sandwich: Create a lasagna sandwich by placing a slice of leftover lasagna between two pieces of bread or in a sub roll. Toast or warm it up for a comforting and portable meal.
- Lasagna Soup: Break down the lasagna into smaller pieces and add them to a broth-based soup. This transforms the flavors into a comforting lasagna soup, perfect for a cozy and nourishing meal.
- Lasagna Stuffed Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with leftover chicken lasagna filling, adding an extra layer of vegetables. Roast the peppers until tender for a creative and colorful twist.
- Lasagna Pizza: Transform your leftover lasagna into a pizza topping. Spread tomato sauce on pizza dough, add chunks of lasagna, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for a lasagna-inspired pizza experience.
- Lasagna Salad: Chop the leftover lasagna into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a green salad. The pasta, chicken, and flavorful sauce add a hearty touch to a refreshing salad.
- Lasagna Quesadillas: Use leftover lasagna as a filling for quesadillas. Place a portion between two tortillas, add some cheese, and cook until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Lasagna Frittata: Mix chunks of leftover chicken lasagna into beaten eggs and cook to create a lasagna frittata. This combines the heartiness of lasagna with the simplicity of a frittata.
These creative ideas ensure that your leftover chicken lasagna doesn’t go to waste, offering a variety of flavors and presentations for a delightful encore meal.
