Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken and veggies – no layering required!
One day not long ago I had a craving for something super creamy, comforting and veg-forward. I checked the freezer but it looked pretty bare, so I thought that I’d try making a white lasagne! A “white” lasagne is one that is made without the customary tomato in the sauce. Instead, it’s all creamy, cheesy deliciousness! I love this recipe so much that I included it in my new cookbook Simple Dinners Every Day.
Instead of the customary tomatoey lasagne, the sauce for a white lasagne is creamy, cheesy, garlicky deliciousness!
In this lasagne, chicken breast is cooked until golden and tender. It’s then shredded and simmered with Italian herbs and broccoli in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce flavoured with leek and chicken stock. Fresh lasagne sheets are cut, then tossed into the pan to cook directly in the sauce, before the entire dish is covered with mozzarella and finished under the oven grill (broiler).
Since then, I’ve made this recipe too many times to count and it’s firmly planted itself in my regular meal plan rotation. It’s one of those meals that looks amazing, yet you don’t realise just how insanely good it is until you make and taste it for yourself! I like to serve One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne with a simple leafy salad with balsamic dressing and maybe some cheesy garlic bread. The dish is also very customisable – try adding bacon or pancetta, or more veggies (see my suggestions below). You can easily create a completely vegetarian version, too. Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, and the dish is freezer-friendly!
In this One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne, shredded chicken is simmered with Italian herbs and broccoli in a delicious creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce. Fresh lasagne sheets are cooked in the pan with the sauce, then mozzarella is added and melted under the oven grill (broiler).
What should I serve with this One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne?
This dish is a meal in itself, but if you want to go the extra mile, serve it with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies, such as zucchini (courgette), pumpkin or cherry tomatoes, to balance out the creaminess. And don’t forget the garlic bread – you can never have too much bread when there’s a gorgeous sauce involved!
This beautiful lasagne is cooked all in one pan on the stovetop – including the pasta – then finished under the oven grill (broiler) to melt the mozzarella over the top.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for mushrooms, zucchini (courgette) or even canned cannellini beans. Add extra broccoli or baby spinach to pack in more veggies.
What other additions can I toss into this lasagne?
Feeling fancy? Add crispy pancetta, crumbled bacon (my daughter’s request for the next time I make this!), or shredded roast or barbecued chicken, if you’ve got leftovers. For an extra veggie hit, stir through some baby spinach, kale or frozen peas just before serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, adding a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone on top before grilling (broiling) is a game-changer.
I’ve used chicken and broccoli as the stars for this lasagne. However, you could add cooked bacon or pancetta or extra vegetables. See my suggestions in the FAQs.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have lasagne sheets?
Any short pasta like rigatoni, penne or even gnocchi will work! Just cook it halfway through before adding it to the sauce to finish cooking in the pan.
Fresh lasange sheets are cut up into smaller pieces, then are cooked directly in the pan with the sauce. No need to pre-cook!
Watch how to make One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne
If you enjoyed One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne, I think you’ll love:
Tender lasagne sheets, shredded chicken, broccoli and a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, all cooked in the one pan. One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne is freezer-friendly, too!
Prep 10 minutesmins
Cook 35 minutesmins
Total 45 minutesmins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
CHICKEN
2tbspolive oil
300g(10½oz)boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced horizontally into thinner steaks
½tspsea salt flakes
¼tspfreshly cracked black pepper
60ml(¼cup)water
CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI LASAGNE
2tbspunsalted butter
1small brown onion, diced
1tbspfreshly minced garlic
1leek, white part only, finely sliced
30g(¼cup)plain (all-purpose) flour
625ml(2½cups)chicken stock
375ml(1½cups)thickened (whipping/heavy) cream
1tbspItalian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning) – can be substituted with dried oregano or thyme
90g(3¼oz)broccoli florets, roughly chopped into 1 cm (½ inch) pieces
250g(9oz)fresh lasagne sheets, cut into 10 cm (4 inch) squares (see note 2 if you want to use dried lasagne)
50g(½cup)freshly grated parmesan
150g(1cup)freshly grated mozzarella
Fresh oregano or basil leaves, to serve (optional)
Instructions
(keeps your screen active)
Preheat the oven grill (broiler) to high.
Cook the chicken – Heat the olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper on both sides and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked, turning once halfway through. Remove and set aside on a plate to rest. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks.
Make the sauce – Use the 60 ml (¼ cup) of water to deglaze the pan if needed, to scrape up any sticky bits. Keeping the pan over medium heat with any pan juices, add the butter, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes.
Add the leek and cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes or until softened.
Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until well incorporated.
Pour in the chicken stock and stir until combined.
Add the thickened cream, Italian mixed herbs, broccoli, salt (see note 1) and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Add lasagne sheets – Using tongs, add the cut lasagne squares, ensuring they are completely submerged in the sauce and as evenly distributed as possible.
Cook the lasagne – Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 6–7 minutes, allowing the lasagne sheets to soften.
Remove the lid and continue to simmer, uncovered, for 4–6 minutes until the lasagne sheets are almost cooked through and the liquid has reduced into a thick sauce.
Stir often using tongs to ensure the pasta remains separate and to prevent it sticking to the bottom of the pan. The sheets may break apart a little bit, which is fine. If there appears to be a lot of residual liquid in the pan, see note 3.
Add the chicken and cheese – Add the chicken and parmesan to the pan. Stir them through carefully to avoid the pasta breaking too much. Remove from the heat and sprinkle over the mozzarella cheese.
Grill (broil) the top – Place the pan into the oven under the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes until golden brown on top.
Serve – Allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving (the longer it sits, the more the sauce will absorb into the pasta sheets). Serve with fresh oregano or basil leaves, if using.
Nutrition information
Nutrition Facts
One-pan Chicken and Broccoli Lasagne
Amount per Serving
Calories
1029
% Daily Value*
Fat
69
g
106
%
Saturated Fat
36
g
225
%
Trans Fat
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
22
g
Cholesterol
266
mg
89
%
Sodium
1710
mg
74
%
Potassium
894
mg
26
%
Carbohydrates
60
g
20
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
8
g
9
%
Protein
44
g
88
%
Vitamin A
2583
IU
52
%
Vitamin C
27
mg
33
%
Calcium
448
mg
45
%
Iron
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Note 1 – Taste the sauce before adding the salt, depending on how salty your chicken stock is, you may not need as much salt. Remember, you will also be adding parmesan, which is also salty.Note 2 – If you can only find dry lasagne sheets, add an extra 125 ml (½ cup) of stock and cook the lasagne for a few minutes extra in steps 9 and 10. Because the dried pasta sheets absorb more liquid/release starch, there will be a little less sauce, but it is still equally delicious.Note 3 – If there is still a lot of liquid in the pan, it is likely the heat wasn’t high enough. Allow the lasagne to simmer for a few extra minutes, uncovered, to thicken the sauce. And don’t forget the resting step (step 14). This allows any residual liquid to be absorbed. Not enough liquid? Add a splash of boiling water from the kettle and stir it through to loosen the sauce.
Make Ahead
Prepare the dish up to the step before grilling (broiling) (step 13), then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat, covered, in a 200°C (400°F (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven for 25 minutes (or until heated through) and then finish under the grill (broiler) as per the recipe.
Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Must be completely thawed in the fridge overnight prior to reheating otherwise the lasagne sheets break apart and go mushy. The oils in the cream will separate and the cream will absorb into the sheets of lasagne, but the taste is equally delicious.
Made this for a regular Wednesday night family dinner, absolutely delicious, big hit with everyone.
Easy to follow recipe, will definitely feature again
This was DIVINE. I cheated and used a cooked chicken from the supermarket. Added some frozen corn along with the chicken. Thought we might get some leftovers but kids got up for third helpings, will be adding this to my list of favourites!
Hi Jackie, so thrilled you enjoyed this! There’s no shame in a shortcut and it was clever of you to use the cooked chicken. 👏🏻 So great that the kids had three helpings! 🙌🏻 🧡 Nic x
This is my type of food! I’ve made it three times now and I’m obsessed. To reduce calories a little I don’t use any oil or butter and use light thickened cream. It still tastes divine. And I love that it freezes so well.
Thrilled to read this, Mandy! 🙌🏻 Love the sound of your calorie-reducing tips … so great that the lasagne was still delicious. Thanks also for the rating. 🧡 Nic x
Excited to make this! I’m going to be experimenting with gluten free lasagna sheets.
In place of heavy whipping cream, would coconut cream work? I know the taste would be different but would the texture/thickness be similar you think?
Hi Haley, how exciting! 😊 Gluten-free sheets should work well – just keep an eye on the liquid as some brands absorb a bit more than others. Yes, coconut cream will give you a very similar thickness and texture to regular cream, so it should work well in that sense. Hope you love it! Nic x
Just tried this tonight and oh my goodness it was soo good!! My picky 19 month old loved it too and asked for more which was just amazing! Thank you for such fabulous recipes!
So wonderful to hear this, Belinda! 🙌🏻 Thrilled that your little eater also approved. 🥰 Thanks also for your lovely comments on the recipes and the rating. 🧡 Nic x
Hi Michelle, evaporated milk works beautifully as a lighter, non-cream option. You can also use oat or soy cooking cream if you prefer dairy-free. 🧡 Nic x
This was delicious!
Even though I didn’t add any of the cheeses. Decided it was tasty enough. I would halve cream, oil and butter next time to make it a bit healthier. Maybe add more broccoli and less pasta. Saying all that, we licked our plates clean. Love your recipes.
Delicious
First time I made it I felt it was a bit ‘fuss’ it I think I wasn’t prepared for each step.
My husband isn’t a Chicken fan but said how nice it was on both occasions we’ve had it
I added Mushrooms and it made enough for 2 serves to be frozen and it was still delicious second time around
Hi Carolynne, so glad you made this work for you with the white sauce and that it was a hit, even with your little eater! 🥰 Thanks for the rating too, ❤️ Nic x
For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.
Dianne says:
Made this for a regular Wednesday night family dinner, absolutely delicious, big hit with everyone.
Easy to follow recipe, will definitely feature again
Nicole says:
Wonderful to hear, Dianne! Thanks for the rating too. 🧡 Nic x
Jackie Leighton says:
This was DIVINE. I cheated and used a cooked chicken from the supermarket. Added some frozen corn along with the chicken. Thought we might get some leftovers but kids got up for third helpings, will be adding this to my list of favourites!
Nicole says:
Hi Jackie, so thrilled you enjoyed this! There’s no shame in a shortcut and it was clever of you to use the cooked chicken. 👏🏻 So great that the kids had three helpings! 🙌🏻 🧡 Nic x
Mandy says:
This is my type of food! I’ve made it three times now and I’m obsessed. To reduce calories a little I don’t use any oil or butter and use light thickened cream. It still tastes divine. And I love that it freezes so well.
Nicole says:
Thrilled to read this, Mandy! 🙌🏻 Love the sound of your calorie-reducing tips … so great that the lasagne was still delicious. Thanks also for the rating. 🧡 Nic x
Haley says:
Excited to make this! I’m going to be experimenting with gluten free lasagna sheets.
In place of heavy whipping cream, would coconut cream work? I know the taste would be different but would the texture/thickness be similar you think?
Nicole says:
Hi Haley, how exciting! 😊 Gluten-free sheets should work well – just keep an eye on the liquid as some brands absorb a bit more than others. Yes, coconut cream will give you a very similar thickness and texture to regular cream, so it should work well in that sense. Hope you love it! Nic x
Belinda says:
Just tried this tonight and oh my goodness it was soo good!! My picky 19 month old loved it too and asked for more which was just amazing! Thank you for such fabulous recipes!
Nicole says:
So wonderful to hear this, Belinda! 🙌🏻 Thrilled that your little eater also approved. 🥰 Thanks also for your lovely comments on the recipes and the rating. 🧡 Nic x
Brea says:
Wow…. Another delicious dish. Very easy to make and the whole family have licked their plates clean.
Nicole says:
Love to hear this, Brea! Nic x
Nicole says:
Easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Nicole says:
Wonderful to hear, Nicole! 🧡 Nic x
Michelle says:
Can I make this without cream somehow?
Nicole says:
Hi Michelle, evaporated milk works beautifully as a lighter, non-cream option. You can also use oat or soy cooking cream if you prefer dairy-free. 🧡 Nic x
Julianne Clune says:
This was delicious!
Even though I didn’t add any of the cheeses. Decided it was tasty enough. I would halve cream, oil and butter next time to make it a bit healthier. Maybe add more broccoli and less pasta. Saying all that, we licked our plates clean. Love your recipes.
Nicole says:
Hi Julianne, thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it! 🧡 Nic x
Anne says:
Delicious
First time I made it I felt it was a bit ‘fuss’ it I think I wasn’t prepared for each step.
My husband isn’t a Chicken fan but said how nice it was on both occasions we’ve had it
I added Mushrooms and it made enough for 2 serves to be frozen and it was still delicious second time around
Nicole says:
Hi Anne, I’m so glad that this one worked out for you after some experimentation. Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
Carolynne says:
My whole family devoured this! Including my picky 3yr old. I can’t eat cream so I swapped it out for a lasagne white sauce and it worked really well.
Nicole says:
Hi Carolynne, so glad you made this work for you with the white sauce and that it was a hit, even with your little eater! 🥰 Thanks for the rating too, ❤️ Nic x
Natasha says:
Hi, can this be made 2 days ahead? Thanks 🙂
Nicole says:
Hi Natasha, you can make this and it will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. ❤️ Nic x
Natasha says:
Thank you 😊