Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna with Chicken - Quick and Delicious

Welcome to the world of simple and flavorful cooking! Today, I will share with you an incredibly quick and tasty recipe for skillet lasagna with chicken breast. This dish is perfect for days when you want to enjoy a comforting meal but don't have much time. Here’s how to turn simple ingredients into something truly special!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 8 lasagna sheets
- 2 large chicken breasts, chopped
- 1 bottle of tomato sauce (preferably Cirio for an authentic taste)
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (Cirio)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 6 slices of cheese
- Grated Parmesan (about 100 g)
- 1 cup of ricotta
- Fresh basil, to taste
- ½ cup of olive oil
- 1 cup of water
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by chopping the onion and crushing the garlic. These ingredients will add wonderful flavor to your dish. Make sure the chicken breast is cut into small cubes for even and quick cooking.

Step 2: Cooking the onion and garlic
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 3: Adding the chicken
Add the chopped chicken to the skillet and mix well. Cook until it turns completely white, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. It’s essential not to let the meat overcook, as we want it to remain juicy.

Step 4: The tomato sauce
Once the chicken is ready, add the water, tomato sauce, and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and thickens.

Step 5: Assembling the lasagna
When the sauce is ready, remove the lid from the skillet and add the lasagna sheets. I recommend breaking them into smaller pieces for even distribution. Add a few spoonfuls of sauce, then sprinkle the chopped tomatoes in large pieces.

Step 6: Layering
Start adding the ricotta cheese, followed by the slices of cheese and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a fresh and vibrant taste. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.

Chef's Tip
For an even more intense lasagna flavor, you can add spices like oregano or chili peppers, depending on your preferences. Also, if you like vegetables, you can add sliced zucchini or eggplant, which will cook together with the other ingredients.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This skillet lasagna with chicken is a relatively healthy option, providing protein from the meat and calcium from the cheeses. One serving contains approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the exact amount of cheese used. It’s a balanced meal that will give you the energy you need for an active day.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat lasagna sheets are a healthy choice and add a special flavor.

- What can I use instead of chicken?
You can replace the chicken with turkey or even a vegetarian option, using mushrooms or tofu.

- Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and assembly in advance, keeping them in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, all you need to do is cook them in the skillet.

Serving Suggestion
Serve this skillet lasagna alongside a fresh salad with cherry tomatoes, arugula, and a light vinaigrette. A glass of dry white wine will also perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Variations
To diversify the dish, you can try adding olives or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or flavored tomato sauces.

This skillet lasagna recipe is not only quick but also delicious, turning any meal into a true celebration. Try it and enjoy every bite!