Pioneer Woman's Chicken Lasagna Recipe from October 2019

Welcome to a culinary journey where comfort food meets innovation with the Pioneer Woman Chicken Lasagna recipe. Originating from Ree Drummond's repertoire in October 2019, this dish is a heartwarming spin on traditional lasagna, incorporating succulent chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter yet equally satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Before diving into the delightful process of creating this lasagna, let’s assemble all the ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For the Sauce:
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Layers:
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Next:

• Add garlic and cook for another minute.
• Incorporate the shredded chicken into the skillet, cooking until heated through. Set this mixture aside.

Creating the Sauce

While your chicken is cooling, let’s make the sauce:

• In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and water.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, reducing the heat to low. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

🍅 Note: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to get rid of any tomato chunks.

Assembling the Lasagna

The fun part is here, assembling your Pioneer Woman Chicken Lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce at the bottom.
3. Place 3 lasagna noodles across the dish. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese on top, then some of the chicken mixture, followed by a layer of the tomato sauce.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and parsley.
5. Repeat this layering process for two more layers. For the top layer, end with noodles, a final spread of tomato sauce, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

🍝 Note: To prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil, you can spray the underside with cooking spray before covering.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this scrumptious lasagna with:

• A simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls for an additional comfort factor.
• A glass of Pinot Noir or Chianti to complement the flavors of the tomato sauce and cheese.

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Lasagna isn't just about flavors but also about the warmth and comfort it brings. Ree Drummond's clever incorporation of chicken makes it a dish that feels both comforting and special. As we've explored the steps, from prepping the ingredients to the final bake, we see how simplicity can create something magnificent.

The combination of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses layered between sheets of pasta delivers an unforgettable meal. It's a recipe that celebrates comfort food, yet stands out with its unique twist. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress at a potluck, this lasagna promises to be a crowd-pleaser, evoking smiles and satisfied sighs from all who indulge in its layers.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

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Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If freezing, assemble and freeze without baking; then thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

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If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. You can also use a blend of cream cheese and mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.

How do I keep my lasagna from becoming too watery?

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To prevent a watery lasagna, ensure the sauce isn’t too thin. You can thicken it by adding a bit more tomato paste or simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. Also, let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes after baking before cutting to allow the layers to set.