Quick Lasagna

Delicious Lasagna: A Recipe that Combines Tradition with Flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Who doesn't love a well-made lasagna? This classic dish, found in the homes of many families, has won the hearts of food lovers around the world. Our lasagna recipe is simple yet extremely tasty, and it became the favorite of 2017. The key to success lies in the perfect combination of ingredients and the cooking technique. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 1 package of lasagna sheets (we recommend Barilla)
- 3 packages of cheese slices (for example, Hochland)
- 1 kg sour cream (you can reduce the amount if desired)
- 450 g tomato passata (Cirio brand is an excellent choice)
- 1/2 bottle of sweet ketchup
- 3 large chicken breasts
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Dried basil (to taste)
- Salt (about 2 tablespoons, depending on preference)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups water
- 2 large onions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by finely chopping the onion. This will add flavor and sweetness to your sauce. Wash the chicken breasts and cut them into small cubes. It is important that the meat is cut evenly for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Cooking the Meat and Sauce
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the chicken cubes and stir constantly until the meat turns completely white. It is essential to stir frequently to prevent the meat from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the meat is white, add enough water to cover the ingredients and let it boil for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Flavoring the Sauce
After the 10 minutes of boiling, add the tomato passata, ketchup, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, providing a more pleasant taste to the sauce. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you find it too runny, you can thicken the sauce with a tablespoon of flour.

Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a rectangular baking dish (about 27/37 cm), pour a small amount of the chicken sauce. Place a first layer of lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of sauce, a few tablespoons of sour cream (spread evenly), and cheese slices. Continue alternating layers: sauce, sour cream, cheese, until you reach the last layer of sheets.

Step 5: Finishing the Dish
Over the last layer of sheets, pour the remaining sauce, add sour cream and ketchup, then grate cheese on top. Sprinkle a little dried basil for extra flavor. Now the lasagna is ready for the oven!

Step 6: Baking the Lasagna
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. This is the perfect time to prepare a fresh salad or a vegetable side dish to accompany this delicious dish.

Serving Suggestions:
Lasagna is served hot, cut into generous portions. You can accompany it with a crunchy green salad, drizzled with a light dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. A bottle of white or red wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Possible Variations:
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken breast with vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms, and use ricotta cheese instead of sour cream. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan.

Nutritional Information:
This lasagna recipe contains quality protein from the chicken, as well as a significant amount of calcium from the cheese. The sour cream adds a dose of healthy fats, but it's best to consume moderate portions, considering that a serving has about 500-600 calories, depending on the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat lasagna sheets?
Yes, whole wheat sheets are an excellent choice for a healthier option.

2. What can I do if I don't have tomato passata?
You can use canned tomatoes or ready-made tomato sauce, but make sure it is of good quality.

3. How can I store lasagna for the next day?
You can store lasagna in the refrigerator, covered with aluminum foil, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven before serving.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! This lasagna recipe is more than just a dish; it is a culinary experience that will bring joy to every meal. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by the delicious flavors!