why make this recipe

Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. This dish combines the rich flavors of Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce, all wrapped in tender lasagna noodles. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

how to make Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Ingredients:

12 lasagna noodle sheets
3 chicken breasts or thighs (cutlets or tenders also work)
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
Garlic bread or Texas toast (optional, for serving)
6 tablespoons butter
6-8 large garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1-2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (half a block)
15 ounces ricotta cheese
12 ounces frozen chopped spinach, well drained
2-3 teaspoons cajun seasoning
Prepared chicken, diced
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
8 ounces colby jack cheese, shredded (divided)
2 tablespoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Rub chicken with olive oil and season liberally with cajun seasoning.
Heat a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip and cook on low for an additional 3 minutes. Let it rest under tented foil for 5-10 minutes, then dice.
In the same pan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and thickened, about 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions to al dente.
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta, cajun seasoning, spinach, diced chicken, and half of the shredded cheeses to create the filling.
Drain noodles and separate them to prevent sticking. Spread 1 cup of alfredo sauce in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Lay noodles flat and add about 1/2 cup of filling to one end of each sheet. Roll tightly and place seam-side down into the dish.
Pour remaining alfredo sauce evenly over the rolls, spooning excess sauce back on top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the rolls.
Bake uncovered for 35 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

how to serve Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Serve the Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna hot from the oven, paired with garlic bread or Texas toast for an extra treat. A fresh side salad can also complement the rich flavors of this dish.

how to store Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

tips to make Blackened Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Ensure your chicken is pounded evenly to cook perfectly.
Don’t skip letting the chicken rest after cooking; this helps keep it juicy.
Mix different cheeses for added flavor and texture in your filling.
Check noodles for doneness before assembling the lasagna.

variation (if any)

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use different sauces if you’d like to try something new.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna and assemble it the day before. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

2. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference. Just ensure they melt well.

3. Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
You can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or skip the cayenne pepper if you’re sensitive to spice.