The Best Creamy Skillet Chicken Lasagna with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Name: The Best Creamy Skillet Chicken Lasagna with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 9–10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small bites; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup heavy cream; 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish; Optional: red pepper flakes or crispy breadcrumbs for topping

Author: mahdi jondi

Published: July 28, 2025

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There’s something undeniably comforting about lasagna—the tender noodles, gooey cheese, and layers of flavor. But what if you could capture all that warmth and indulgence without spending hours layering and baking? This Creamy Skillet Chicken Lasagna with Garlic Sauce brings you all the nostalgic coziness of a traditional lasagna but with a quicker, fuss-free twist.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family get-together, or even a relaxed Sunday supper, this dish is all about creamy textures, garlicky depth, and cheesy satisfaction—all made in one skillet. Inspired by the rustic charm of Italian home cooking and the ease of modern comfort meals, this recipe will become a weeknight hero in your kitchen.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or simply someone who loves creamy pasta dishes, this skillet lasagna checks every box: fast, hearty, flavorful, and undeniably comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Chicken Lasagna

This isn’t your average lasagna—and that’s a good thing.

Instead of layering noodles and waiting on a bake, we’re breaking the rules in the best way possible. By breaking lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces, we speed up the cooking process while still keeping the heart and soul of the dish. Plus, the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce brings a velvety richness that’ll make you want seconds (and maybe thirds).

Here are a few reasons this recipe will become a regular at your dinner table:

One skillet = less cleanup.
No oven required—just stovetop simplicity.
Velvety garlic sauce makes every bite indulgent.
Flexible ingredients allow for customization.
Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bring this skillet lasagna to life, you’ll only need a handful of staple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

9–10 lasagna noodles, broken into 2- to 3-inch pieces
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small bites
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup heavy cream
2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Optional: red pepper flakes or crispy breadcrumbs for texture

Instructions

Making this Creamy Skillet Chicken Lasagna with Garlic Sauce is easier than you think, and it all comes together in just one pan. Here’s a detailed walkthrough to help you every step of the way, whether you’re a confident home cook or just getting started in the kitchen.

1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Salt the water generously—this is your only chance to season the noodles themselves.

Break the lasagna noodles into roughly 2- to 3-inch pieces. Don’t worry about uniformity; the rustic, broken look is what gives this dish its charm.

Cook the noodles until just al dente, which means they should be tender but still have a slight bite in the center. This usually takes about 7 to 9 minutes, depending on the brand.

Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them briefly with warm water to prevent sticking. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

2. Sear the Chicken

While the noodles are boiling, prep your chicken. Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.

Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, making sure every piece is lightly coated.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken sears rather than steams.

Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to burn it.

Slowly pour in ¾ cup of heavy cream, stirring as you go. Add 2 ounces of cream cheese (optional, but highly recommended for a richer sauce) and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Next, sprinkle in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Continue to stir gently, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes. It will thicken slightly and develop a beautiful, velvety texture as the cheeses melt into the cream. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

4. Combine and Melt

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked noodles and seared chicken to the skillet. Gently fold them into the creamy garlic sauce, making sure every piece is well coated.

Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on low heat for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and started to bubble. You’re looking for a beautifully gooey topping that brings the entire dish together.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for color and a fresh burst of flavor. If you enjoy a little kick, add red pepper flakes, or for a bit of crunch, sprinkle over some crispy toasted breadcrumbs.

Serve immediately while everything is hot, cheesy, and creamy. This dish is pure comfort in every bite.

Tips for the Best Skillet Lasagna

Use a deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid to avoid overflow and ensure even cooking.
Don’t overcook the noodles—you want them to hold their texture when stirred into the sauce.
Stir the sauce continuously while adding cream cheese and Parmesan to prevent clumping.
For even more depth, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach when making the sauce.
Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap the chicken for roasted veggies or meatless sausage.

Make It Your Own: Skillet Lasagna Variations

While this garlic cream version is incredibly satisfying on its own, here are a few ways you can make it your own:

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.
Cheese Swap: Try Fontina, Gruyère, or even smoked provolone instead of mozzarella.
Veggie Boost: Stir in cooked spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the cream sauce for a more aromatic flavor.

What to Serve With Skillet Chicken Lasagna

This dish is satisfying enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:

Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up extra sauce.
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
Chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing sip.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers? No problem.

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.
Freeze? Not recommended. The creamy sauce can separate once thawed, leading to a grainy texture.

Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

This skillet chicken lasagna is more than just a shortcut—it’s a reminder that comfort food can be simple, quick, and just as satisfying as traditional recipes. With its rich garlic-Parmesan flavor, tender bites of chicken, and creamy-cheesy finish, it offers everything we love about lasagna without the layers or oven time.

Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder, perfect for weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t take hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes, absolutely. Using rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time while still getting flavorful results. Simply shred or chop about 2 to 2½ cups of rotisserie chicken, removing the skin and bones, and stir it into the garlic cream sauce just before adding the cooked noodles. Since the chicken is already cooked, there’s no need to sauté it—just heat it through in the sauce. This shortcut is perfect for busy weeknights or when you have leftover chicken on hand.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this skillet lasagna is best enjoyed fresh when the cheese is perfectly melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth, some prep can be done ahead. You can cook the chicken and boil the noodles in advance—just be sure to store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, quickly reheat both in the skillet, prepare the cream sauce, and then combine everything for a fresh, melty finish.

Avoid assembling the full dish in advance and refrigerating it, as the cream-based sauce may thicken too much or separate upon reheating.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

If you’re looking to enjoy this dish with fewer calories or a lighter texture, there are several easy swaps you can make:

Use half-and-half or even whole milk in place of heavy cream. The sauce may be slightly less thick, but still delicious.
Omit the cream cheese or reduce the amount for less richness.
Choose part-skim mozzarella instead of whole milk cheese.
Reduce the overall cheese slightly to lighten things further.

You can also consider adding in some steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms, to bulk up the dish with nutritious ingredients while stretching the creamy base further.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Definitely. While the broken lasagna noodles provide the look and feel of traditional lasagna in a skillet format, you can easily substitute other types of pasta if needed. Great alternatives include:

Farfalle (bowties) for a whimsical look
Rigatoni or penne for hearty bites
Rotini for extra sauce-catching spirals

Just be sure to cook whichever pasta you choose until just al dente, so it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce and cheese.