There’s something magical about a meal that hits the table in 20 minutes but tastes like it’s been simmering all day. This 20-Minute Chicken Lasagna Skillet is that rare kind of dinner—rich, comforting, and impossibly easy to pull off. It delivers all the indulgent layers of classic lasagna—savory meat, velvety cheese, herb-laced sauce—without a single baking dish or oven preheat required. It’s a weeknight wonder designed for anyone who wants full-on flavor without the long haul.
The best part? This recipe stays entirely on the stovetop, which means fewer dishes and faster cleanup. From the first sizzle of chicken in the pan to that final cheesy toss of pasta, every step is designed to be fast, flavorful, and family-approved.
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20-Minute Chicken Lasagna Skillet: A Cheesy, One-Pan Dinner for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
All the cozy layers of lasagna in a single skillet, ready in just 20 minutes. This 20-Minute Chicken Lasagna Skillet is a cheesy, creamy, one-pan dinner that brings comfort food to your weeknight table—without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
12 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced or thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence
Salt, to taste
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
12 fresh basil leaves, chopped or thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and the Italian seasoning.
2. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits. Let the broth simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until slightly reduced.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
6. Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil. Return the chicken to the skillet.
7. Gently toss everything together until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara.
You can substitute penne, rotini, or broken lasagna noodles for the bowtie pasta.
This dish reheats well—add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Why You’ll Love This 20-Minute Chicken Lasagna Skillet
A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner
There’s a reason this skillet lasagna earns a permanent spot in weeknight rotations: speed. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, you can go from hungry to happy in half an hour. No layering. No baking. No waiting. Just hearty, satisfying comfort on demand. And since everything happens in one pan, this dish is practically made for busy schedules and last-minute dinner decisions.
Comfort Food Without the Fuss
This recipe has all the soul-soothing vibes of traditional lasagna—melty cheese, herby tomato sauce, tender chicken—but it ditches the complicated layering and endless bake times. It’s lasagna, reimagined for real life. The bowtie pasta catches every bit of creamy ricotta and mozzarella, while the marinara and Parmesan create a deep, savory base. It’s simple comfort, streamlined.
A Skillet Meal That Tastes Like Lasagna
You won’t miss the oven-baked version once you try this. By building flavors directly in the skillet, every ingredient has time to meld beautifully. The chicken is pan-seared with Italian herbs until golden and juicy, then it simmers in a garlicky, tomato-rich sauce that tastes slow-cooked. Swirl in creamy ricotta and melt in shredded mozzarella, and you’ve got a lasagna-inspired masterpiece—no casserole dish required.
Ingredients That Make This Skillet Lasagna Special
Bowtie Pasta and Tender Chicken Combo
The choice of bowtie pasta isn’t just aesthetic—it’s functional. Those little folds and creases catch bits of ricotta and marinara, delivering flavor in every bite. Meanwhile, the chicken breast is diced thin to cook quickly and stay juicy. A quick toss in Italian seasoning infuses it with classic lasagna notes from the start.
Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Perfection
What’s lasagna without layers of cheese? This skillet version brings the trifecta—whole milk ricotta for creaminess, shredded mozzarella for that stretchy, gooey melt, and Parmesan for a sharp, salty bite. Together, they create a luscious texture that wraps around the pasta and chicken like a cozy blanket.
Fresh Basil and Marinara for a Bright Finish
To balance the richness, we stir in plenty of fresh basil and a splash of chicken broth. The basil brings a pop of garden-fresh flavor, while the broth lightens and loosens the sauce just enough. Use a good-quality marinara to keep this dish vibrant—its flavor really shines in this simple format.
How to Make 20-Minute Chicken Lasagna Skillet Like a Pro
Searing Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start with hot olive oil in a large skillet and seasoned chicken breast pieces. Give them space in the pan so they can brown properly—that caramelized edge adds loads of flavor to the finished dish. Once golden and cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you build the sauce.
Building Layers with Broth and Marinara
After softening diced onion and garlic in the same skillet, pour in low-sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom—this is where the flavor lives. Let it simmer briefly, then stir in marinara and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. The sauce will reduce just enough to cling to every piece of pasta and chicken.
Bringing It All Together in the Final Toss
Once the sauce is ready, turn off the heat and fold in your cooked pasta, cheeses, and chopped basil. Then return the chicken to the pan and gently mix until everything is coated in cheesy, herby goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and more basil for that perfect final flourish.
Delicious Twists on the Classic Chicken Lasagna Skillet
Make It Spicy or Creamy—Your Way
Prefer a richer, more decadent skillet? Add a splash of heavy cream or swap in alfredo for part of the marinara. Want to kick things up a notch? Use hot Italian seasoning or double the red pepper flakes for a spicy lasagna version that packs heat.
Add Veggies Like Spinach or Zucchini
You can sneak in extra veggies without changing the spirit of the dish. Stir in fresh spinach just before turning off the heat, or sauté shredded zucchini along with the onion. It’s a great way to add freshness and boost the nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.
Turn It Into a Baked Casserole with Extra Cheese
If you have a few extra minutes and want to level things up, transfer the finished skillet to an oven-safe dish, top with more mozzarella and Parmesan, and broil until bubbly. It’s the perfect hybrid between stovetop speed and oven-baked indulgence.
What to Serve with Your 20-Minute Chicken Lasagna Skillet
Simple Sides to Keep It Light
This skillet is hearty on its own, but a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Try it with arugula, baby spinach, or even chopped romaine tossed in a tangy dressing for crunch and contrast.
Perfect Pairings: Wine and Salads
Pair this cheesy pasta dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti. Both highlight the dish’s tomato and herb notes without overpowering them. For something non-alcoholic, sparkling water with lemon does the trick.
Turning Leftovers into Tomorrow’s Lunch
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish reheats like a dream. Just add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to keep it creamy. You can also turn it into a wrap with a little arugula for a quick and satisfying lunch on the go.
Similar Skillet Dinners You’ll Crave
This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Is a Must-Try
If one-pan dinners are your jam, you’ll love this cheesy chicken burrito skillet that brings all the Tex-Mex flavor with zero fuss. It’s loaded with melty cheese, hearty rice, and tender chicken in a single skillet—perfect for busy nights.
Craving Comfort? Try This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet
Another crowd-pleaser: this creamy mushroom chicken skillet, where seared chicken meets a dreamy garlic cream sauce. It’s a rich, elegant option when you want comfort with a gourmet twist.
Keep the One-Pan Magic Going All Week Long
Skillet dinners don’t just save time—they save sanity. Once you master this lasagna skillet, the possibilities are endless. From Thai-style noodles to cheesy rice casseroles, your skillet can handle it all.
FAQs About Chicken Recipes and Garlic Butter Chicken
What’s the secret to juicy chicken in skillet meals?
It’s all about the sear. Cooking chicken over medium-high heat in a bit of olive oil locks in moisture while building flavor. Letting the chicken rest before returning it to the skillet helps keep it tender and juicy.
Can I turn this into a garlic butter chicken lasagna?
Absolutely. Swap the olive oil for garlic butter at the start, and you’ll get a rich, savory base that adds a deep garlic flavor to every bite. You can even add sautéed mushrooms or a splash of cream for more decadence.
What pasta works best for skillet lasagna?
Bowtie pasta is perfect for catching sauce and cheese in every fold, but rotini, penne, or even broken lasagna noodles work well too. Just make sure the pasta is cooked and drained before tossing it in.
Is this recipe kid-friendly and freezer-safe?
Yes to both. Kids love the creamy, cheesy texture, and the mild heat from red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted. To freeze, store in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.
Conclusion: Make This 20-Minute Chicken Lasagna Skillet Tonight
Quick Prep, Big Flavor, Zero Stress
When time is tight but cravings are real, this dish comes to the rescue. It’s quick enough for a Tuesday but satisfying enough for a weekend dinner. You’ll never miss the oven-baked version once you’ve tasted the creamy, cheesy magic of this skillet.
Why This One-Pan Meal Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
Between its short ingredient list, minimal cleanup, and comforting flavor profile, this skillet lasagna checks all the boxes. It’s a recipe that works hard for you—just 20 minutes of cooking gets you a meal the whole table will love.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Shortcut
Fast, flavorful, and flexible, this 20-Minute Chicken Lasagna Skillet is more than just a shortcut—it’s a game changer. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked for life.
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