If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together quickly and packs all the flavors of your favorite Italian classics, then this Easy Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine layers of tender mini lasagna noodles mingling with rich marinara, succulent shredded rotisserie chicken, and dollops of creamy, cheesy ricotta filling—all baked to bubbling perfection in one trusty skillet. It’s a delicious fusion of Chicken Parmesan and lasagna made simple and swift, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each chosen to deliver maximum flavor and unbeatable texture without any fuss. From the creamy cheeses that make the filling dreamy to the aromatic garlic that wakes up your taste buds, every item plays a key role in making this recipe shine.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base for the ricotta filling that balances richness with lightness.
- Whipped cream cheese: Adds silkiness and a slight tang that elevates the overall creaminess of the filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers that sharp, nutty punch quintessential to any Italian dish.
- Salt and white pepper: Used sparingly to season the filling subtly without overpowering the delicate cheeses.
- Dried parsley: Brings a herbal freshness that brightens the cheesy mixture.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Saves time and introduces juicy protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Butter: Creates a flavorful base for sautéing the garlic and adds richness to the skillet.
- Garlic paste: Infuses the dish with deep, aromatic notes that lift every bite.
- Mini lasagna noodles: Cook quickly and nestle perfectly in the skillet for even layering.
- Marinara sauce: Supplies vibrant tomato flavor and moisture to tie the whole dish together.
- Water: Helps cook the noodles right in the skillet, keeping things easy and mess-free.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts heavenly over the top, creating a golden, gooey crust.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a final burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor before serving.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F so it’s ready to finish cooking your skillet bake once everything is assembled. This high heat ensures a perfectly melted, bubbly top with a delightfully tender noodle texture inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a small bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, whipped cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, white pepper, and dried parsley until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add pockets of luscious, cheesy goodness throughout the dish that perfectly complement the rich marinara and chicken.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Using a large, oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic paste and sauté just until fragrant. This step releases the savory garlic flavor that becomes the aromatic foundation for the whole skillet. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant but not bitter.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, mixing it over the buttery garlic so every morsel is coated and warmed through. This brings a hearty protein boost and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Build the Skillet Base
Pour the mini lasagna noodles into the skillet, followed by the marinara sauce and water. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then stir to combine everything well. You want the noodles to be evenly coated and submerged enough to cook through properly. Once mixed, turn off the heat—you’re ready for the next layer.
Step 6: Top with Ricotta and Mozzarella
Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta filling over the skillet’s surface in an even pattern. Then, liberally sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. This combination guarantees cheesy pockets and a golden, melty topping once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for tender noodles, bubbling sauce, and ooey-gooey melted cheese that’s starting to turn golden and irresistible on top.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove your skillet from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor, and let it cool a few minutes before serving. This rest time helps everything set a bit, making each scoop easier to plate.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for that vibrant green burst that contrasts beautifully with the rich reds and creams in the dish. If you love a little heat, a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds exciting depth and complexity.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness or warm garlic bread to sop up every last bit of cheesy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement this skillet meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skillet straight at the table for a rustic, cozy vibe that invites everyone to dig in family-style. For a fancier touch, scoop portions onto warm plates and garnish each with a parmesan crisp or a drizzle of quality olive oil for extra shine and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead by assembling the skillet before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until hot and bubbly or warm the whole skillet in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes to preserve moisture and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the ricotta filling?
Absolutely! While ricotta and cream cheese provide creaminess, you can try mascarpone for an even richer texture or cottage cheese for a lighter option. Just adjust seasoning as they vary in saltiness.
Is rotisserie chicken necessary or can I cook chicken fresh?
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, but you can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs. Simply season and sauté or roast before shredding to maintain the flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
To make it dairy-free, swap cheeses for dairy-free alternatives and use a buttery spread or oil instead of butter. For a vegan version, ensure marinara is vegan-friendly and use plant-based chicken substitutes if desired.
Will regular lasagna noodles work instead of mini lasagna noodles?
You can use regular lasagna noodles, but you will need to pre-cook them and adjust the layering method slightly since they won’t cook fully in the skillet with the sauce and water like the mini ones.
Can I make this recipe in a regular baking dish instead of a skillet?
Definitely! Assemble all the layers similarly in a greased baking dish and follow the same baking instructions. Just watch for doneness as times could vary slightly depending on your dish’s size and material.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe truly checks all the boxes for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that feels special but comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a cozy solo meal, it delivers flavorful layers, gooey cheese, and plenty of comforting Italian goodness in one skillet. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished favorite on your rotation—you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
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Easy Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet combines the rich flavors of classic chicken Parmesan with the comforting layered texture of lasagna—all cooked in one skillet for a quick, delicious meal. Featuring a creamy ricotta and parmesan filling, tender rotisserie chicken, hearty marinara, and melted mozzarella, this recipe simplifies dinner without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Whipped cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- White pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
Skillet Base
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Garlic paste
- 2 cups Shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups Mini lasagna noodles
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 2 cups Water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- Dollops of ricotta filling (prepared above)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F to warm up while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, whipped cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and white pepper, and dried parsley. Mix thoroughly and set aside for later use.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the garlic paste and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the skillet.
- Build the Skillet Base: Add the mini lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, and water to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir all the ingredients together to combine well, then turn off the heat.
- Top with Ricotta and Mozzarella: Spoon dollops of the ricotta filling over the skillet mixture evenly. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top to cover the surface.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the noodles are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let it set.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken cuts down cooking time and adds rich flavor.
- Mini lasagna noodles cook faster and evenly in the skillet.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet for the baking step.
- Adjust seasoning gradually—both salt and pepper—to taste.
- For extra richness, stir some grated Parmesan into the marinara sauce before adding to the skillet.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
