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Chicken Lasagna with Rich Ragu

Chicken Lasagna with Rich Ragu
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Chicken Lasagna with Rich Ragu is a hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken layered with a slow-simmered tomato ragu, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all built between tender lasagna sheets. This comforting yet elegant recipe offers a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and textures that makes it ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, shredded

Ragu Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 28 oz canned tomatoes or 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Layer

  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Others

  • 9–12 lasagna sheets (fresh, no-boil, or gluten-free alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rich Ragu: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add shredded chicken, canned or fresh tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in red wine if using, and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  2. Mix the Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Mix well until creamy and smooth to balance the acidity of the ragu.
  3. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the ragu sauce. Arrange a layer of lasagna sheets on top, followed by a spread of the ricotta mixture and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers—ragu, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and bubble beautifully.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use homemade ragu if possible for deeper flavor and a fresher taste.
  • Do not over-sauce the pasta to prevent sogginess; keep sauce thick but moist.
  • Combine different cheeses (mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta) to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to firm up the layers for neat slices.
  • Prepare the ragu and shred the chicken a day in advance to save time when assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken lasagna, rich ragu, Italian recipe, creamy lasagna, baked pasta, family dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/chicken-lasagna-with-rich-ragu/