If you adore creamy, cheesy comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Spinach Artichoke and Chicken Skillet Lasagna Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that skips the noodles and layers, using tender farfalle pasta tossed with fresh spinach, tangy artichokes, succulent chicken, and an irresistible melty cheese sauce. This skillet lasagna is a total crowd-pleaser that comes together in just an hour, delivering rich flavors and cozy vibes with every forkful. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorite dishes fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Spinach Artichoke and Chicken Skillet Lasagna Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each item plays a crucial role. From the nutty farfalle pasta to the fresh veggies and creamy cheeses, these components combine beautifully to create layers of taste and texture that make this dish irresistible.
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta: The bowtie shape holds sauce perfectly and adds a fun twist on traditional lasagna noodles.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic to build a flavorful base.
- 1 sweet onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a fragrant savory punch.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential to elevate every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 12 ounces fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a tender leafy texture.
- 1 (14 ounce) jar artichoke hearts in brine, drained and chopped: Contributes tangy brightness and a subtle bite.
- 1 cup shredded chicken: Provides hearty protein and a satisfying chew.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that ties it all together.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, mild layer of cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Offers a soft, creamy dollop of richness dotted throughout.
- Finely grated parmesan cheese, for topping: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that perfectly complements the dish.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke and Chicken Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to go when you finish the stovetop part. While that’s warming, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it and set it aside, keeping it warm enough so it doesn’t stick together.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Greens
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced sweet onion with a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and stir for just about a minute to avoid burning but to release its flavor. Next, stir in the fresh spinach and chopped artichoke hearts, cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring often until the spinach fully wilts and melds with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Pasta
Mix in the shredded chicken, distributing it evenly throughout the skillet. Then fold in the cooked farfalle pasta, ensuring every piece is coated and combined with the flavorful vegetable mixture. This step builds the hearty base of your lasagna without layering traditional noodles.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients. Raise the heat slightly and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This allows the sauce to thicken just enough and get beautifully infused with the flavors from the veggies and chicken. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, letting it melt slowly and ooze throughout the skillet for that signature gooey texture.
Step 5: Add Ricotta and Parmesan, Then Bake
Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly across the top of the skillet mixture, followed by a generous sprinkle of finely grated parmesan for extra cheesy, nutty notes. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be bubbly and golden, with the pasta piping hot all the way through. Once out of the oven, give it a light stir to blend the layers together just before serving for a meltingly delicious experience.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke and Chicken Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the presentation and flavor, add fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of extra parmesan can also brighten the dish and add a final flourish that makes every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This skillet lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins. Alternatively, add a dash of hot sauce or a few red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that complements the mild creaminess of the lasagna. You can also swap out farfalle for gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini to customize the dish to your preference.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Spinach Artichoke and Chicken Skillet Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it rests, making leftovers just as delightful as the fresh batch.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by letting it cool completely, then transferring it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen up the sauce. Cover the skillet to help the heat distribute evenly, or warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to maintain the creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet to avoid watering down the sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more artichokes, mushrooms, or your favorite roasted vegetables to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for thickening, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Can I prepare this dish entirely on the stovetop?
While the skillet step is perfect for stovetop cooking, baking helps develop a beautiful bubbly crust and meld the flavors perfectly. However, if baking isn’t an option, cover and simmer gently on the stove until heated through and cheese is melted.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild, making it great for all palates. You can always add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Spinach Artichoke and Chicken Skillet Lasagna Recipe enough—it’s comfort food that feels both special and surprisingly easy to make. The creamy, cheesy texture combined with fresh greens and tender chicken creates a satisfying dish perfect for sharing or indulging in any day of the week. Give it a go and watch it quickly become one of your new favorites!
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Spinach Artichoke and Chicken Skillet Lasagna Recipe
This Spinach Artichoke and Chicken Skillet Lasagna is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal that combines tender farfalle pasta with fresh spinach, tangy artichoke hearts, shredded chicken, and a blend of cheeses. Prepared quickly on the stovetop before finishing in the oven, it’s a perfect family-friendly dinner that delivers rich flavors without the fuss of traditional layering.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta (or your favorite pasta cut)
Vegetables
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 (14 ounce) jar artichoke hearts in brine, drained and chopped
Protein
- 1 cup shredded chicken
Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken stock
Cheeses
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Finely grated parmesan cheese, for topping (about ¼ cup plus extra for garnish)
Seasonings
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to prepare for the final baking step that will melt the cheese and bring everything together.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to use later in the skillet mixture.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions have softened and become fragrant.
- Add greens and artichokes: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the spinach is completely wilted and aroma develops.
- Incorporate chicken and pasta: Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing everything to combine evenly with the vegetable mixture.
- Add liquids and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, stirring well to combine. Heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer. Then stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it starts to melt. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese throughout the skillet mixture, then sprinkle parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake to finish: Place the oven-safe skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dish is bubbling, the cheese is melted and golden, and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese if desired, give it a quick stir to combine the layers, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Feel free to substitute farfalle with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini for better sauce coating.
- Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture will be less rich.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
