Tired of elaborate weeknight meals but craving something comforting and cheesy? Say hello to your new favorite: One Pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne! This dish takes all the beloved flavors and textures of a classic lasagne – tender pasta, creamy sauce, succulent chicken, and melty cheese – and transforms them into an incredibly easy, single-pan wonder. No multiple pots, no fussy layering, just pure, unadulterated comfort food that comes together in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
What is One pan chicken and broccoli lasagne?
One Pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne is a brilliant deconstruction of the traditional Italian casserole, reimagined for modern convenience. Instead of laboriously stacking layers, we cook broken lasagne sheets directly in a rich, creamy sauce alongside diced chicken and vibrant broccoli florets, all in one skillet. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal reminiscent of lasagne, but with significantly less effort. It’s a saucy, cheesy pasta dish that embraces the concept of simplicity without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced, provides lean protein and a hearty base.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, they add essential nutrients, color, and a pleasant textural contrast.
- Lasagne Noodles: No-boil sheets are ideal, broken into manageable pieces, absorbing the sauce beautifully.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic create the foundational flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth & Milk: Form the liquid base for our creamy, dreamy sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Cheese Trio: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan combine for that signature lasagne creaminess and cheesy topping.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings all the classic Italian herb flavors together.
- Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper: Essential for cooking and seasoning.
How to Make One pan chicken and broccoli lasagne
Let’s get cooking! This one-pan wonder is all about building flavors in stages, right in your skillet.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until lightly browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Build the Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of the milk until smooth (a slurry). Pour the remaining milk and chicken broth into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the flour slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Pasta and Broccoli: Add the broken lasagne sheets and broccoli florets to the simmering sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender-crisp. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash more broth or milk.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined and melted.
- Final Bake (Optional but Recommended): Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the lasagne. If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to a preheated oven (or under the broiler) for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. If not oven-safe, simply cover the skillet for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Let the lasagne rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes, if desired.
What to Serve With One pan chicken and broccoli lasagne
This hearty dish is quite complete on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the meal:
- Crisp Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious, creamy sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: If you want more greens, these quick-cooking vegetables complement the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating One pan chicken and broccoli lasagne
Leftovers of this One Pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne are fantastic!
- Storage: Allow the lasagne to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a covered oven-safe dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
Recipe Tips for Success!
- No-Boil Noodles are Key: Using no-boil lasagne sheets is crucial for this one-pan method as they cook directly in the sauce without needing pre-boiling.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large, deep skillet (at least 12-inch) to ensure even cooking and enough space for all ingredients.
- Stir Occasionally: When cooking the pasta, stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick while cooking, add a little more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Different brands of no-boil noodles can absorb liquid differently.
- Broil for Golden Top: For that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese top, finish under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
