Lasagna with chicken breast

Chicken Breast Lasagna – A Delight for the Whole Family

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6

Every family has a few recipes that become traditions, and chicken breast lasagna is certainly one of those special dishes. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I invite you to discover how to transform simple ingredients into a delicious dish full of flavors and textures.

A Brief Story About Lasagna

The origins of lasagna are deeply rooted in culinary traditions, but what truly makes it special is how each family adds its personal touch. This recipe uses chicken breast, a lighter and healthier ingredient, perfect for those who want to enjoy a tasty dish without loading their meals with red meat.

Ingredients

For the meat sauce:
- 500 g chicken breast
- 1 can of peeled tomatoes (about 400 g)
- 1 can of canned mushrooms (about 400 g), drained
- 50 g butter
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, sliced
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 50 g white wine (optional, but recommended)

For the Bechamel sauce:
- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 500 ml milk
- Nutmeg (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For assembly:
- 1 package of lasagna sheets (about 250 g)
- 200 g grated cheese

Step by Step: Making the Lasagna

1. Preparing the meat sauce

Start by boiling the chicken breast in salted water until tender. Remove it from the water, let it cool, and chop it finely. Now, let's prepare the meat sauce!

- In a large skillet, add 50 g of butter and the two tablespoons of olive oil. Heat over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sliced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the drained and chopped mushrooms, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the mushrooms have softened, add the chopped chicken breast, peeled tomatoes, and white wine. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes rich. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Preparing the Bechamel sauce

Now that the meat sauce is ready, it's time to focus on the Bechamel sauce, which will add creaminess to your lasagna.

- In a saucepan, melt 50 g of butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and quickly whisk, letting the mixture cook for one minute without browning.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Gradually add the hot milk, whisking constantly to dissolve the flour. Put the saucepan back on the heat and cook the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring continuously until it becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle flavor.

3. Boiling the lasagna sheets

- Boil the lasagna sheets according to the package instructions, usually for 10 minutes, in water with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Once boiled, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

4. Assembling the lasagna

- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a baking dish, start with a layer of Bechamel sauce at the bottom, then place a layer of lasagna sheets.
- Continue with a layer of meat sauce, followed by another layer of Bechamel sauce, then more lasagna sheets.
- Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, ensuring that the last layer is meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese on top for a delicious golden crust.

5. Baking the lasagna

- Place the dish in the oven for about 30 minutes, until the lasagna is well baked and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set well.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken breast lasagna is perfect served with a fresh green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can also add some garlic toast for an extra flavor boost. A glass of dry white wine would perfectly complement the meal, and for dessert, a light serving of fresh fruit would be ideal!

Variations and Tips

If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken breast with grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. Additionally, for an even more intense flavor, you can add herbs to the meat sauce, such as basil or oregano.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use lasagna sheets without boiling them?
Yes, you can use lasagna sheets without boiling them, but make sure to add enough sauce to hydrate them during baking.

2. What can I do with leftover lasagna?
Leftover lasagna can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

3. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, lasagna freezes very well. Make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it in foil and placing it in the freezer.

Nutritional Values

One serving of chicken breast lasagna contains approximately 450-500 calories, providing a good source of protein from the chicken breast and calcium from the cheese. It is a balanced meal that combines carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.

In conclusion, this chicken breast lasagna recipe not only brings flavor but also unforgettable moments with family. The experience of cooking together and enjoying a delicious meal is truly a gift. So, gather your ingredients and transform them into this wonderful lasagna! Enjoy your meal!